Target assembly for use with a sports goal

Abstract

A target assembly for use on a sports goal is provided. The target assembly comprises a target board. The target board also includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface. The channel is sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements. When the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the frame elements such that the at least some of the frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening between at least some of the plurality of frame elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19 / 347,380 filed on Oct. 1, 2025, which claims the benefit of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 701,842 filed on Oct. 1, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to sport-training devices. In particular, the disclosure relates to a target assembly for use with a sports goal.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Shooting into a goal with a playing object is an essential skill in many sports, such as in hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. These goals generally comprise a framework of two vertical uprights connected at their top by a horizontal crossbar to define the goal opening. A loose-fitting net may be connected along the upright's crossbar to define a goal space. Additional diagonal frame members may be connected to the upright's crossbar to better define the goal space.

[0004] Practicing shooting is typically done with players shooting on a goalie. In practicing the sport, players are trained not only to shoot the external object into the goal, but also to accurately shoot the external object to selected target areas of the goal opening. A player or coach may desire that a player practice shooting on his or her own because a goalie may not be available. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,786 discloses a soccer training goal in which an inclined plate is connected to the goal frame at the bottom and is inclined downwardly toward the goal opening, whereby a soccer ball kicked into the goal space will initially be retained within the goal space by hitting the net. The net absorbs the impact of the ball, and the ball then rolls down the inclined plate back to the practicing kicker. Other sports, such as baseball and golf, make use of practice devices, which involve the delivery of the ball to a target area on the practice device. Examples of these devices are also shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,059,365; 2,628,097; 3,195,898; 3,197,208; and 3,711,092.

[0005] While these training systems allow for a training on a goal without a goalie, they are often attached to the frame of the goal with cords or other attachments. These cords or attachments tend to be cumbersome and finnicky to attach to the frame of the goal. Thus, there is a need for a training device for a goal that can be more quickly and simply attached to and removed from the frame of a goal.

[0006] The background herein is included solely to explain the context of the disclosure. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge as of the priority date.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] According to an aspect, there is provided a target assembly for use on a sports goal having a frame with a plurality of frame elements. The target assembly comprises a target board that has a pair of opposing faces and at least one perimeter side surface extending between the pair of opposing faces, and at least one target element that is connected to the target board, wherein the target board includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface, the channel being sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and wherein the target board is sized such that when the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel on the at least one perimeter side surface can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening defined between the plurality of frame elements.

[0008] According to another aspect, there is provided a sports target system, comprising: a sports goal that includes a frame with a plurality of frame elements, and a target assembly. The target assembly includes a target board that has a pair of opposing faces and at least one perimeter side surface extending between the pair of opposing faces, and at least one target element that is connected to the target board, wherein the target board includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface, the channel being sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and wherein the target board is sized such that when the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel on the at least one perimeter side surface can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening defined between the plurality of frame elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the target assembly connected to the sports goal in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 1; where an opening (O) of the sports goal is illustrated;

[0012] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 1, where a plane (P) is illustrated on the sports goal;

[0013] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the target assembly and sports goal of FIG. 1, where a target board of the target assembly is aligned along the plane (P) and a channel of the target board is substantially aligned with at least some of a plurality of frame elements of the sports goal;

[0014] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the target assembly and sports goal of FIG. 1, where the target board of the target assembly has been advanced along the plane (P) and some of the plurality of frame elements are partially received in the channel on the target board;

[0015] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the target assembly and sports goal of FIG. 1, where the target board of the target assembly has been further advanced along the plane (P) and some of the plurality of frame elements are more fully received in the channel on the target board;

[0016] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a top side of the target board from the target assembly in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the target board of the target assembly in FIG. 4A, where the target elements have been removed from the mounting apertures;

[0018] FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a bottom side of the target board from the target assembly in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a target board of the target assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6A shows a side view of the embodiment of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6B shows a magnified perspective view of one of the frame elements of the sports goal aligned with the channel of the embodiment of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 6C shows a magnified side view of the embodiment of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 6D shows a magnified side view of one of the frame elements of the sports goal received within the channel of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one of the frame elements of the sports goal received within the channel of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a multi-piece construction of the sports goal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the multi-piece construction of the sports goal in FIG. 8A, where the sports goal includes a cord take-up element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0028] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” will be understood to denote “at least one” in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean “one.”

[0029] As used herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended, and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising,” and variations thereof mean the specified features, steps or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0031] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0032] “Memory” refers to a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium for storing information (e.g., data or data structures) in a format readable by a processor, and / or instructions (e.g., computer code or software programs or modules) that are readable and executable by a processor to implement an algorithm. The term “memory” includes a single device or a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. Non-limiting types of memory include solid-state semiconductor, optical, magnetic, and magneto-optical computer readable media. Examples of memory technologies include optical discs such as compact discs (CD-ROMs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs), magnetic media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, and solid state semiconductor random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) devices, flash memory devices, memory chips and combinations of the foregoing. Memory may be non-volatile or volatile. Memory may be physically attached to a processor, or remote from a processor. Memory may be removable or non-removable from a system including a processor. Memory may be operatively connected to a processor in such as way as to be accessible by a processor. Instructions stored by a memory may be based on a plurality of programming and / or markup languages known in the art, with non-limiting examples including the C, C++, C#, Python™, MATLAB™, Java™, JavaScript™, Perl™, PHP™, SQL™, Visual Basic™, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and combinations of the foregoing. Instructions stored by a memory may also be implemented by configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device.

[0033] “Processor”, or “processing unit” refers to one or more electronic hardware devices that is / are capable of reading and executing instructions stored on a memory to perform operations on data, which may be stored on a memory or provided in a data signal. The term “processor” includes a single device or a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. The plurality of processors may be arrayed or distributed. Non-limiting examples of processors include integrated circuit semiconductor devices and / or processing circuit devices referred to as computers, servers or terminals having single or multi-processor architectures, microprocessors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units (MCU), central processing units (CPU), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), digital signal processors, and combinations of the foregoing.

[0034] Any method, application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable / executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by a memory, and executed by a processor. Aspects of the present disclosure may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, such that the processor, and a memory storing the instructions, which execute via the processor, collectively constitute a machine for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0035] The flowcharts and functional block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0036] The embodiments described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

[0037] When training an athlete's skills in the various sports that use a sports goal, a target assembly can be provided on the sports goal for developing the athletes'skills. The target assembly can include a portion that is placed at a face or opening of the sports goal, where this face or opening is defined by the frame of the sports goal. The target assembly can include a board or panel-like element that will that deflects objects when the panel is placed at the opening of the sports goal. The target assembly can define target locations thereon, where the athlete can shoot external objects towards these target locations to develop their skills, and the target assembly can produce responses based on the external objects hitting the target locations.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a perspective view of a target assembly 110 and a sports goal 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The target assembly is the target assembly 110 and is for use with the sports goal 100, where the sports goal has a frame 102 with a plurality of frame elements 104.

[0039] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1 and 3A to 7, the target assembly 110 comprises a target board 120 that has a pair of opposing faces 121 and at least one perimeter side surface 125 extending between the pair of opposing faces 121. The target assembly 110 also comprises at least one target element 140 that is connected to the target board 120. The target board 120 is generally structured to facilitate the connection of the target board 120 to the frame 102 of the sports goal 100. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 7, the target board 120 includes a channel 130 that is formed along at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface 125 of the target board 120. The channel 130 is sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 to thereby secure the target board 120 against the frame 102 of the sports goal 100.

[0040] In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 3A, the target board 120 is sized such that when the target board 120 is oriented along a plane (P) defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements 104, the channel 130 on the at least one perimeter side surface 125 can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104, and the target board 120 can then be slid along the plane and along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are releasably received within the channel 130, and the target board 120 is held in an opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104. In the use of the target assembly 110 as disclosed herein, the target board 120 can be secured to the frame 102 of the sports goal 100, and the target board 120 can at least partially prevent an external playing object (e.g., a hockey puck) from entering the sports goal 100 through the opening (O) of the sports goal 100.

[0041] The channel 130 on the target board 120 engages frame elements 104 of the sports goal 100 for securing the target assembly 110 in the opening (O) defined between the frame elements 104. The channel 130 is structured to secure the target board 120 in place and to thereby substantially prevent the target assembly 110 from falling through or moving away from the opening (O) of the sports goal 100. The external playing object can be shot towards the target board 120 (aiming at the at least one target element 140 on the target board 120) for developing shooting skills. By providing the channel 130 on the target board 120, the target board 120 can be held on the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 without the use of straps or similar attachment fixtures for holding the target board 120 in place. The board is able to slide freely in and out of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 along the plane (P).

[0042] Various structures, configurations, and arrangements of the sports goal 100 are provided by the present disclosure. For example, the sports goal 100 can be a hockey goal, soccer goal, lacrosse goal, or other suitable goal that defines an opening into which players can shoot external play objects.

[0043] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3C, and 7 to 8B, the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 include a pair of side posts 104a and a crossbar 104b extending between the pair of side posts 104a.

[0044] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 3C, the sports goal 100 includes the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b. The sports goal 100 also includes a ground support bar 104c connected to two side posts 104a, which together support the crossbar 104b on top of the two side posts 104a. The ground support bar 104c is connected between the side posts 104a to stabilize the spaced apart side posts 104a that support a crossbar 104b. The ground support bar 104c connects to the side posts 104a and lies on the ground to hold up the sports goal 100 such that the opening (O) of the sports coal is substantially vertical, and is oriented substantially perpendicular to a ground surface, thereby keeping the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 in an accessible position. The ground support bar 104c can be a number of shapes, including a U- or V-shape, depending on the sport that is desired to be played or practiced.

[0045] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104 is defined in a space between the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b.

[0046] In an additional embodiment, when the sports goal 100 is resting on the ground surface, the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104 is defined by the ground surface, the two side posts 104a, and the crossbar 104b.

[0047] In the embodiments where the plurality of frame elements 104 include the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b, the dimensions and relative orientation of the side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b determines the dimensions of the sports goal opening (O).

[0048] In another additional embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 2B and 3A, the plane (P) defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements 104 is defined by the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b. The plane (P) substantially bisects each of the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b such that each of the side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b extend along the plane (P). In this configuration of the plane (P), the plane (P) effectively extends across the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104.

[0049] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3C and 8A to 8B, the sports goal includes at least one rear support bar 104d. The at least one rear support bar 104d provides a structure on which a netting or other object catching material can be connected for further defining a goal space of the sports goal 100.

[0050] In the various embodiments of the sports goal 100 provided in the present disclosure, the frame 102 of the sports goal can have a one-piece or multi-piece construction

[0051] In the embodiments where the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 has a one-piece construction, the frame 102 is a single piece of framework, and the plurality of frame elements 104 are distinct sections of the single piece of framework that are integrally formed together.

[0052] In the embodiments where the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 has a multi-piece construction, the plurality of frame elements 104 can each define one or more distinct support pieces of the frame 102. An embodiment of the sports goal 100 that has a multi-piece construction is provided below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. As a multi-piece sports goal100, the sports goal 100 can be disassembled and folded quickly and easily for storage and transport.

[0053] In the various embodiments of the sports goal 100 provided in the present disclosure, the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 can be made, in whole or in part, of metal, plastic, composites, or combinations thereof. The plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 may be composed of wood, plastic, or metal, and in some embodiments may have a hollow core. The plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 can be made of circular tubing, square tubing, rectangular tubing, and other tubing.

[0054] The type of material and dimensions (e.g., diameter and thickness) of the frame elements 104 and frame 102 of the sports goal 100 can be selected such that the frame 102 has mechanical properties suitable to withstand the impact of shots while not being too heavy to make handling the frame 102 impractical. In embodiments for use with relatively hard external objects (e.g., hockey pucks), the frame 102 can be a tubular frame made of metal capable of withstanding significant impact forces. In embodiments for use with relatively soft external objects (e.g., foam balls, rubber balls, tennis balls, etc.), the frame 102 can be made of plastic (e.g., plastic tubing), aluminum, and other lightweight material.

[0055] In an embodiment, the sports goal 100 includes an object blocking material (e.g., netting) that is connected to the sports goal 100 for blocking external objects that are shot through the opening (O) of the sports goal 100.

[0056] In an additional embodiment, the object blocking material of the sports goal 100 is a net that is connected to the frame 102 of the sports goal 100.

[0057] The net may be removably or irremovably affixed to the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102. The net is of a dimension to adequately cover the frame 102 and to thereby define the goal space of the sports goal 100. The bottom of the net can attach to the ground support bar 104c and can be draped over the rear support bar 104d such that the top of the net can be attached to the top crossbar 104b, and the sides of the net attached to the side posts 104a. The net can remain attached to the frame 102, which allows the sports goal 100 to be used or stored as a single unit. In some embodiments, the net is permanently connected to the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102. In at least some other embodiments, the net is removably connected to the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102. The net may be connected to the plurality of frame elements 104 with hooks, clips, or the like.

[0058] Referring now to the structure of the target assembly 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, and 3A to 7, the target board 120 of the target assembly 120 is structured as a generally planar or non-planar board with a periphery that defines the at least one perimeter side surface 125.

[0059] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1, and 3A to 7, each face of the pair of opposing face 121 is formed as a substantially flat face. When the target board 120 includes the opposing, substantially flat faces 121 and the target board 120 is held in the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 140, the opposing, substantially flat faces 121 will be substantially parallel to the opening (O) and the plane (P) defined by the one or more frame elements 104.

[0060] Various shapes, configurations, and arrangements of the target board 120 are provided by the present disclosure.

[0061] In some embodiments, the target board 120 is sized such that the target board 120 obstructs substantially all of an area of the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 (i.e., the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104) when the target board 120 is held in the opening (O). In at least some other embodiments, the target board 120 is sized such that the target board 120 only obstructs part of the area of the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 when the target board 120 is held in the opening (O).

[0062] As provided above, the target board 120 includes the pair of opposing faces 121 and the at least one perimeter side surface 125. In an embodiment such as provided in FIG. 4A, the pair of opposing faces 121 of the target board 120 each include a plurality of perimeter edges 122 such that the at least one perimeter side surface 125 includes a plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 corresponding to the plurality of perimeter edges 122.

[0063] In a first embodiment of the target board provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the target board 120 has a polygonal form where at least some of the corners of the polygonal form are rounded such that perimeter edges 122 on either side of the corners form substantially continuous edges. In this way, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 include at least two distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes at least two distinct side surfaces 125.

[0064] In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include at least a bottom edge 123 and an upper edge 124.

[0065] In another additional embodiment such as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper edge 124 is a continuous edge that includes a pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a and a top edge section 124b between the pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a. In this way, the pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a and the top edge section 124b collectively form the upper edge 124.

[0066] In at least some of the embodiments where the upper edge 124 includes the opposing lateral edge sections 124a and the top edge section 124b, the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 include a bottom side surface 126 and an upper side surface 127 corresponding, respectively, to the bottom edge 123 and the upper edge 124.

[0067] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper side surface 127 is a continuous surface that includes at least a pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b between the pair of pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a.

[0068] In a second embodiment of the target board, provided in FIG. 5, the target board 120 has a polygonal form with three or more corners. The plurality of perimeter edges 122 include three or more distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes three or more distinct side surfaces 125.

[0069] In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIG. 5, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include a pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and a top edge 124d.

[0070] In another additional embodiment, the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 include a pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and a top side surface 129 corresponding, respectively, to the pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and the top edge 124d.

[0071] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4B to 5, 6B and 7, the target board includes at least one mounting aperture 136 that is open to at least the first face 121a of the pair of opposing faces 121. The at least one mounting aperture 136 is structured such that the at least one target element 140 can be connected thereto for holding the at least one target element 140 on the target board 120.

[0072] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 4B to 5, 6B and 7, the at least one mounting aperture 136 is a plurality of mounting apertures 136. The plurality of mounting apertures 136 are arranged in a pattern on the target board 120 and extend through the thickness of the target board 120, between the first face 121a and the second face 121b of the pair of opposing faces 121.

[0073] In an embodiment, the target assembly 110 can include one or more additional layers that are removably or integrally formed with target board 120. The one or more additional layers can provide additional functionality or benefit to the function of the target board 120. For example, the one or more additional layers can include a layer of protective padding. The layer of protective padding may be placed on at least the first side of the pair of opposing sides of the target board in such a way as to protect the material of the target board from being cut, broken, or otherwise damaged. The protective padding can be a cover (e.g., a cover made of heavy nylon fabric or heavyweight canvas), panels (e.g., foam or rubber panels), or the like.

[0074] Various arrangements of the channel 130 can be provided on the at least one perimeter side surface 125 of the target board 120. While the present disclosure refers to “channel” in the singular, at least some embodiments of the target board 120 may include a “channel” that is made up of a number of distinct, spaced apart channel sections that collectively form the channel 130 on the at least one perimeter side surface 125 of the target board 120.

[0075] In some embodiments, the channel 130 extends substantially entirely along a width of the at least one perimeter side surface 125 such that a width of the channel 130 is substantially equivalent to the width of the at least one perimeter side surface 125. In at least some other embodiments, only part of the width of the at least one perimeter surface 125 forms the channel 130.

[0076] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the target board where the at least one perimeter side surface 125 is a plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125, the channel 130 (either as a single, continuous channel or as multiple channel sections) can extend at least partially along some or all of the plurality of perimeter side surface 125. Said another way, the channel 130 is formed along at least part of the length of at least some of the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125.

[0077] In an embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the bottom side surface 126 and the upper side surface 127 (including the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b), the channel 130 is formed along at least part of the length of at least two of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b.

[0078] In an additional embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the bottom side surface 126 and the upper side surface 127, the channel 130 is formed along each of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b.

[0079] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the channel 130 includes a first channel portion 131, a second channel portion 132, and a third channel portion 133, where the first channel portion 131 is formed along one lateral surfaces section 127a of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a, the second channel portion 132 is formed along the other surfaces sections 127a of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a, and the third channel portion 133 is formed on the top surface section 127b. In this embodiment, the target board 120 is sized such that when the target board 120 is oriented along the plane defined by the plurality of frame elements 104, each of the first and second channel portions 131, 132 can be aligned with and slid along a unique side post 104a of the pair of side posts 104a until the pair of side posts 104a are releasably received within the first and second channel portions 131, 132 and the crossbar 104b is releasably received within the third channel portion 133.

[0080] In an embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129, the channel 130 is formed along at least part of the length of at least two of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129.

[0081] In an additional embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129, the channel 130 is formed along each of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129.

[0082] In another additional embodiment, the channel 130 includes the first channel portion 131, the second channel portion 132 and the third channel portion 133, where the first channel portion 131 is formed along one lateral side surface of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128, the second channel portion 132 is formed along the other lateral side surface of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128, and the third channel portion 133 is formed on the top side surface 129. In this embodiment, the target board 120 is sized such that when the target board 120 is oriented along the plane defined by the plurality of frame elements 104, each of the first and second channel portions 131, 132 can be aligned with and slid along a unique side post 104a of the pair of side posts 104a until the pair of side posts 104a are releasably received within the first and second channel portions 131, 132 and the crossbar 104b is releasably received within the third channel portion 133.

[0083] As noted above, various structures, configurations, and forms of the channel 130 are provided for in the present disclosure. In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the channel 130 has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length thereof.

[0084] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the channel 130 is a rounded channel that includes at least one radiused channel surface 134.

[0085] In an additional embodiment also shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the channel 130 is a concave channel 130a with a concave cross-sectional form. The concave channel 130a includes the at least one radiused channel surface 134 that is formed as a convex surface therealong. The convex surface has an arced, partially circular form.

[0086] In other embodiments, the channel 130 can have a partially-circular cross-sectional form, a semi-circular cross-sectional form, a rectangular cross-sectional form, or other suitable cross sections for releasably receiving the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104.

[0087] In the embodiments where the channel 130 has a cross-sectional form that is concave, partially-circular, half-circular, rounded or other similar forms, the at least some of the plurality of frame members 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 which are received by the channel 130 can have rounded, substantially tubular forms such that the plurality of frame 102 members 104 can be slidable received within the channel 130 (see FIG. 6D).

[0088] An embodiment of the method by which the target assembly 110 can be assembled onto the sports goal 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3A to 3C.

[0089] To assemble the target assembly 110 on the sports goal 100, the sports goal 100 can be placed on the ground surface with a bottoms of the side posts 104a and the ground support bar 104c supporting the sports goal 100 on the ground surface. The sports goal 100 can then be tipped over such that the sports goal 100 is resting on ground surface, and the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 is facing in a generally upwards direction. In this position, the sports goal 100 is supported on the ground surface by some of the plurality of frame elements 104 (such as the ground support bar 104c and rear support bar 104d if the ground support bar 104c and rear support bar 104d are present on the sports goal 100).

[0090] With the sports goal 100 supported on the ground surface by some of the plurality of frame elements 104 and the opening (O) facing generally upwards, the plane (P) defined between at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 is oriented to be more horizontal than vertical. From this arrangement of the sports goal 100 and the plane (P), the target board 120 of the target assembly 110 can be brought into proximity to the sports goal 100, and manipulated relative to the sports goal 100 such that the target board is in substantial alignment with the plane (P) but is spaced apart from the plurality of frame elements of the sports goal 100 along the plane (P) (see FIG. 3A). When the target board is substantially aligned with the plane (P) such as shown in FIG. 3A, the target board 120 is substantially co-planar with the plane (P). The target board 120 can then be further manipulated such that the channel 130 is substantially aligned with the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104.

[0091] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the channel 130 being “aligned” with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 means that the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are positioned relative to the channel 130 such that if the target board 120 is slid towards the some of the plurality of frame elements 103 along the plane (P), the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 will be at least partially slidably received within the channel 130.

[0092] In some other embodiments of the disclosure, the channel 130 being “aligned” with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 means that the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are positioned relative to the channel 130 such that the channel 130 is substantially concentric with the radiused channel surface 134 of the channel 130.

[0093] In still some other embodiments of the disclosure, the channel 130 being “aligned” with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 means that a long axis of each side post 104a is substantially colinear with a centerline of the channel 130, where the centerline of the channel 130 is defined at a center of curvature of the radiused channel surface 134 of the channel 130.

[0094] Once the target board has been manipulated such that the target board 120 is oriented along the plane (P) and the channel 130 is substantially aligned with the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104, the target board 120 is then slid along the plane (P) until the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are slidably received within the channel 130 (see FIG. 3B). The target board 120 is slid further along the plane (P) and the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 (see FIG. 3C) until a predetermined length of each frame element 104 of the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 is received and held within the channel (see FIG. 1). In this position, the target board 120 can be said to be mounted within the opening (O) of the sports goal 100. Once the target board 120 is mounted within the opening (O) of the sports goal 100, the sports goal 100 can be tipped back to an upright position where the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 is substantially perpendicular to the ground surface and the target board 120 is held in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0095] In the various embodiments of the target assembly 110 and sports goal 100, the target board 120 can be held one the substantially vertical orientation, where the substantially vertical orientation refers to a position within ranges of small angles from the vertical, for example, angles between about 1 degree and 5 degrees from vertical (e.g., angles between about 1 degree and about 2.5 degrees, angles between about 2.5 degrees and about 5 degrees, or the like).

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, the channel 130 and at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 can be relatively sized such that when the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are received and held within the channel 130, a bottommost end of the target board 120 does not extend below a bottommost extent of the sports goal 100 (such as the bottom ends of the side posts 104a).

[0097] To disassemble the target assembly 110 from the sports goal 100, the sports goal can be tiled back down to the orientation where the sports goal 100 is supported on the ground surface by some of the plurality of frame elements 104 and the opening (O) facing generally upwards. In this orientation, the target board 120 can be slid back along the at least some of the frame 102 members 104 and along the plane (P) until the channel 130 slides of the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 and the target board 120 can be removed from the frame 102 of the sports goal 100. In some embodiments, the sports goal 100 can then be disassembled, folded, or otherwise reconfigured for convenient transport and storage.

[0098] In an embodiment, the present disclosure also provides for a sports target kit. The sports target kit comprises the sports goal 100 that includes the frame 102 with the plurality of frame elements 104. The sports target kit also comprises the target assembly 110, where the target assembly 110 includes the target board 120 that has the pair of opposing faces 121 and at least one perimeter side surface 125 extending between the pair of opposing faces 121, and at least one target element 140 that is connected to the target board 120.

[0099] Various shapes, configurations, and arrangements of the at least one target element 140 are provided by the present disclosure.

[0100] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1A, 3A to 3C and 4A, the at least one target element 140 is connected to the target board 120 such that the at least one target element 140 is exposed on a first face 121a of the pair of opposing faces 121. In this embodiment, the target board 120 is configured to be mounted on the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 such that the first face 121a of the pair of opposing faces 121 faces outwards from the opening (O) of the sports goal 100.

[0101] The least target element 140 can be connected to the target board in various ways. In an embodiment, the at least one target element 140 is at least one of: coupled with the target board 120, removable from the target board 120, and integrated with the target board 120. By providing the least target element 140 which may be removable or integrated with the target board, different functionalities may be realized by the target board 120 and target assembly 110 of the present disclosure.

[0102] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1A, 3A to 3C and 4A, the at least one target element 140 of the target assembly 110 is a plurality of target elements 140. The plurality of target elements 140 can be arranged on the target board 120 in various patterns. For example, the arrangement of plurality of target elements 140 on the target board 120 can correspond to areas typically not-blocked by a sports goalie guarding the sports goal 100. This arrangement of the plurality of target elements can help players develop skill in shooting to desired scoring areas

[0103] In an embodiment, the at least one target element 140 includes a base portion and an actuating portion that is movably connected to the base portion for moving from an unactuated position towards an actuated position in response to an external sports object hitting the at least one target element 140.

[0104] As noted above, some embodiments of the target board can include the at least one mounting aperture 136 that is formed thereon and that is exposed to at least the first face 121a. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the at least one mounting aperture 136 generally corresponds to the at least one target element 140 and, in at least some embodiments, the at least one target element 140 is disposed within the at least one mounting aperture 136.

[0105] In one such embodiment where the at least one target element 140 includes the base portion and the actuating portion, the base portion is fixedly connected within the at least one mounting aperture 136 such that actuating portion can move between unactuated and actuated positions within the at least one mounting aperture 136.

[0106] In an alternate embodiment, the target board 120 includes the at least one mounting aperture 136, the at least one target element 140 includes an actuating portion (but not the base portion). The actuating portion is movably mounted within at least one mounting aperture 136 for moving from the unactuated position towards the actuated position in response to the external sports object hitting the at least one target element.

[0107] In an embodiment, the target apparatus 110 is configured as an electronic target apparatus that can detect an external sports object contacting the target apparatus 110, and can, in some embodiments, produce a response based on the external sports object contacting the target apparatus 110.

[0108] In an embodiment where the target apparatus 110 is an electronic target apparatus, the target apparatus 110 further comprises at least one controller, and at least one contact sensor element that corresponds to the at least one target element 140. The at least one contact sensor element is communicatively connected to the at least one controller and is operatively coupled to the at least one target element 140. The contact sensor element is configured for detecting the external sports object hitting the at least one target element 140 and for providing a signal to the at least one controller in response to the external object hitting the at least one target element 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact sensor element includes a push button sensor.

[0109] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 4B, 4C and 5, the at least one mounting aperture 136 is a plurality of mounting apertures 136 that extend through the target board 120, between the pair of opposing faces 121. The target board 120 includes a storage recess 138 for housing the at least one controller. A second face 121b of the pair of opposing faces 121 includes a connection channel 137 that extends between each of the plurality of mounting apertures 136 and the storage recess 138. When the communicative connection between the contact sensor element and the at least one controller includes a wired connection of one or more wires, the one or more wires can be disposed within connection channel 137 and run between the at least one controller in the storage recess 138 and the target element 140 in each of the plurality of mounting apertures 136.

[0110] In an additional embodiment, the at least one controller has a number of physical and logical components, including a processing unit, random access memory (“RAM”), an input / output (“I / O”) interface, a network interface, non-volatile storage, and a local bus enabling the processing unit to communicate with the other components. The processing unit executes processor-executable instructions that are stored on the RAM or the non-volatile storage. RAM provides relatively-responsive volatile storage to the processing unit. The I / O interface allows for input to be received from the one or more control sensor and allows for information to be output to one or more output devices on the target assembly 110, such as a display system, an illumination system, and / or speakers. During operation of the at least one controller, the operating system, the programs, and the data may be retrieved from the non-volatile storage and placed in RAM to facilitate execution. It will be appreciated that the at least one controller can, in some embodiments, include two or more physical controllers in communication with each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components can reside on separate physical controllers. The display system can, in various embodiments, provide instructions or other play information to a user of the target assembly 110 who is shooting external sports objects at the sports goal 100.

[0111] In another additional embodiment, the target assembly 110 includes a plurality of illumination elements as part of the illumination system. Each of the plurality of illumination elements corresponds to one of the plurality of target elements 140 and is communicatively connected to the at least one controller. The storage in the at least one controller is programmed with processor-executable instructions to control the illumination of each of the illumination elements. The controlled illumination of the illumination elements can be used to provide an indication to a user that they should shoot the external sports object (i.e., hockey puck) at one or more of the target elements 140 that correspond to one or more illumination elements that are illuminated. The controlled illumination of the illumination elements can also be used to provide various different play modes for using the target assembly 110. The illumination elements can, in various embodiments, provide all the same or different colors of light when illuminated.

[0112] In an embodiment, the sports goal 100 has a multi-piece construction and is provided as a collapsible, portable sports goal 100. The frame 102 of the sports goal 100 that includes the plurality of frame elements 104 is a hollow frame 102, and each of the plurality of frame elements 104 is formed as one or more individual support pieces. The individual support pieces formed by the plurality of frame elements 104 are removably connectable to one another such that the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 has the collapsible, multi-piece construction.

[0113] In an embodiment where each frame element 104 of the plurality of frame elements 104 is formed as the one or more individual support pieces, the individual support pieces can be connected by a suitable connection structure (such as friction fit joints or separate couplers), and can be collectively connected to each other to form the whole frame 102 of the sports goal 100. The individual support pieces of the frame 102 define a plurality of individual segments of the frame 102 that are selectively connected to one another using the suitable connection structure.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment where the connection structures of the sports goal 100 include separate couples, the separate couples may have an inner diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of the individual support pieces with which they connect. These couplers can be straight line couplers, elbow couplers, and T-shaped couplers, as non-limiting examples. Other shapes for the couplers may also be employed to impart a desired shape to the sports goal 100 upon assembly, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, some of the plurality of individual support pieces (which make up the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102) are shown herein as being formed the friction fit connection joins. The friction fit joints include openings formed in the ends of at least some of the individual support pieces and projections formed in the ends of the individual support pieces that do not contain the openings. The projections have a diameter less than the opening, and the openings are configured to receive a projection from adjacent individual support piece, and to have a friction fit with the same. In this manner, the end of one of the individual support pieces will function as the coupler even though it is integrally formed as a one-piece unitary structure with the corresponding individual support piece.

[0116] FIGS. 8A and 8B further illustrates that the ground individual support piece segments are connected to the sidebar segments by the elbow joint projections. The individual support pieces that make up the crossbar 104b connected to the ground support bar 104c using similar elbow joint projections.

[0117] In an embodiment, the sports goal 100 is constructed such that each individual support piece of the frame 102 is interlinked with the other support pieces even when the individual support pieces are separated from one other (i.e., the friction fit joints or couplers are not connecting the support pieces together).

[0118] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the frame 102 contains an elastic cord 160 that provides the interlinking of the individual support pieces even when the individual support pieces themselves are separated. The elastic cord 160 is under tensions, and this tension is used to hold the frame 102 together when the sports goal 100 is set up. The elastic cord 160 also holds the frame 102 together when the sports goal 100 is collapsed on itself so the sports goal 100 can be quickly set up or collapsed down for transportation. The elastic cord 160 uses compressive forces from the tension in the cord to link the individual support pieces of the frame 102 together.

[0119] In at least some embodiments, the elastic cord 160 is threaded substantially throughout the entire frame 102. When the elastic cord 160 is substantially threaded throughout the entire frame 102, the ends of the elastic cord 160 are connected together to create continuous cord / cable loops which creates one continuous sports goal frame 102. Alternatively, the elastic cord 160s / cables could be stretched and connected to the frame 102 on each side of each junction so as to make up multiple stretched cords / cables that are then used to maintain one continuous sports goal frame 102. The compressive force of the elastic cord 160 / cable then acts to hold the sports goal together when erected or when folded. With either construction, the compressive force of the elastic cord 160 / cable would hold the frame 102 together during use. The frame 102 with a hollow core along with the elastic cord 160 / cable comprise the sports goal of this invention.

[0120] In at least some embodiments, the elastic cord 160 has a pretension imparted thereto, and is configured to retain a tension even when the sports goal is fully assembled. The elastic cord 160 not only keeps all of the couplers and individual support pieces, together in proper orientation for assembly, but also applies a compressive force against the connected individual support pieces, and the couplers when assembled, thereby providing a desired rigidity to the sports goal 100.

[0121] In the various embodiments of the disclosure, the elastic cord 160 can run throughout the interior of the frame 102 substantially continuously (as shown in FIG. 8A) or can be internally attached to at least some of the individual support pieces. Where the elastic cord 160 is continuous, it should be appreciated that it may run through individual support pieces more than once, depending on the overall construction of the sports goal 100. In either embodiment, the cord traverses the junction between the couplers and individual support pieces, keeping the couplers and individual support pieces interlinked at all times.

[0122] In a first embodiment, the elastic cord 160 runs throughout the frame 102 continuously. The ends of the cord are connected together to create a continuous cord loop, which reinforces the frame 102 of the sports goal 100. It should be appreciated that the continuous loop may be doubled or more in particular segments of the sports goal frame 102, depending on the configuration. The compressive force of the continuous elastic loop acts to hold the sports goal 100 together when erected, and to keep the various segments loosely interlinked when the sports goal 100 is disassembled. The continuous elastic loop applies a compressive force against the interlinked individual support pieces, resisting the unintentional disassembly thereof when the frame 102 is assembled.

[0123] In a second, alternate embodiment, the elastic cord 160 is not continuous, but is provided in sections with each section internally attached to at least two of the individual support pieces. The elastic cord 160 traverses the junction between the at least two of the individual support pieces, resulting in multiple stretched cords that are then used to maintain one continuous frame 102 of the sports goal 100 when the frame 102 is assembled. The compressive force of the elastic cord 160 acts to hold the sports goal 100 together when erected or when folded. The elastic cord 160 applies a compressive force against the at least two of the individual support pieces, resisting the unintentional disassembly of all of the individual support pieces.

[0124] In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 8B, the sports goal 100 includes at least one cord take-up element 162 that is connected to the elastic cord 160. The at least one cord take-up element 162 is operable for increasing and / or decreasing an amount of tension within the elastic cord 160. The at least one cord take-up element 162 can be used to adjust the amount of tension within the elastic cord 160 and thereby draw the individual support pieces of the frame 102 closer together to provide for easier assembly of the individual support pieces when assembling the frame 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one cord take-up element 162 includes a drawstring adjuster.

[0125] As a single unit made up of the connectable, individual support pieces (and couplers), the sports goal 100 can be disassembled and folded quickly and easily for storage and transport, while militating against a loss of individual pieces due to the use of the elastic cord 160 or other similar structures. While the multi-piece sports goal 100 with interlinked individual support pieces has been described above with specificity to an internal elastic cord 160, it will be understood that other types of implementations of the elastic cord 160 will occur to those of skill in the art.

[0126] It should be appreciated that the sports goal 100 may be provided as a kit, for example, disposed in a bag in a disassembled form for transport and later reassembly at a desired location for end use as the sports goal 100.

[0127] The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present disclosure and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.REFERENCE NUMERALS100 sports goal

[0129] 102 frame

[0130] 104 frame elements

[0131] 104a side posts

[0132] 104b crossbar

[0133] 104c ground support bar

[0134] 104d rear support bar

[0135] 110 target assembly

[0136] 120 target board

[0137] 121 pair of opposing faces

[0138] 121a first face

[0139] 121b second face

[0140] 122 perimeter edges

[0141] 123 bottom edge

[0142] 124 upper edge

[0143] 124a opposing lateral edge sections

[0144] 124b top edge section

[0145] 124b bottom edge

[0146] 124c substantially parallel, lateral edges

[0147] 124d top edge

[0148] 125 perimeter side surfaces

[0149] 126 bottom side surface

[0150] 127 upper side surface

[0151] 127a lateral surfaces sections

[0152] 127b top surface section

[0153] 128 opposing lateral side surfaces

[0154] 129 top side surface

[0155] 130 channel

[0156] 130a concave channel

[0157] 131 first channel portion

[0158] 132 second channel portion

[0159] 133 third channel portion

[0160] 134 channel surface

[0161] 136 mounting aperture

[0162] 137 connection channel

[0163] 138 storage recess

[0164] 140 target elements

[0165] 160 elastic cord

[0166] 162 cord take-up element

Examples

first embodiment

[0063]In the target board provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the target board 120 has a polygonal form where at least some of the corners of the polygonal form are rounded such that perimeter edges 122 on either side of the corners form substantially continuous edges. In this way, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 include at least two distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes at least two distinct side surfaces 125.

[0064]In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include at least a bottom edge 123 and an upper edge 124.

[0065]In another additional embodiment such as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper edge 124 is a continuous edge that includes a pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a and a top edge section 124b between the pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a. In this way, the pair of oppos...

second embodiment

[0068]In the target board, provided in FIG. 5, the target board 120 has a polygonal form with three or more corners. The plurality of perimeter edges 122 include three or more distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes three or more distinct side surfaces 125.

[0069]In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIG. 5, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include a pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and a top edge 124d.

[0070]In another additional embodiment, the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 include a pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and a top side surface 129 corresponding, respectively, to the pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and the top edge 124d.

[0071]In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4B to 5, 6B and 7, the target board includes at least one mounting aperture 136 that is open to at least the first face 121a of th...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19 / 347,380 filed on Oct. 1, 2025, which claims the benefit of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 701,842 filed on Oct. 1, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to sport-training devices. In particular, the disclosure relates to a target assembly for use with a sports goal.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Shooting into a goal with a playing object is an essential skill in many sports, such as in hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. These goals generally comprise a framework of two vertical uprights connected at their top by a horizontal crossbar to define the goal opening. A loose-fitting net may be connected along the upright's crossbar to define a goal space. Additional diagonal frame members may be connected to the upright's crossbar to better define the goal space.

[0004] Practicing shooting is typically done with players shooting on a goalie. In practicing the sport, players are trained not only to shoot the external object into the goal, but also to accurately shoot the external object to selected target areas of the goal opening. A player or coach may desire that a player practice shooting on his or her own because a goalie may not be available. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,786 discloses a soccer training goal in which an inclined plate is connected to the goal frame at the bottom and is inclined downwardly toward the goal opening, whereby a soccer ball kicked into the goal space will initially be retained within the goal space by hitting the net. The net absorbs the impact of the ball, and the ball then rolls down the inclined plate back to the practicing kicker. Other sports, such as baseball and golf, make use of practice devices, which involve the delivery of the ball to a target area on the practice device. Examples of these devices are also shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,059,365; 2,628,097; 3,195,898; 3,197,208; and 3,711,092.

[0005] While these training systems allow for a training on a goal without a goalie, they are often attached to the frame of the goal with cords or other attachments. These cords or attachments tend to be cumbersome and finnicky to attach to the frame of the goal. Thus, there is a need for a training device for a goal that can be more quickly and simply attached to and removed from the frame of a goal.

[0006] The background herein is included solely to explain the context of the disclosure. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge as of the priority date.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] According to an aspect, there is provided a target assembly for use on a sports goal having a frame with a plurality of frame elements. The target assembly comprises a target board that has a pair of opposing faces and at least one perimeter side surface extending between the pair of opposing faces, and at least one target element that is connected to the target board, wherein the target board includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface, the channel being sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and wherein the target board is sized such that when the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel on the at least one perimeter side surface can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening defined between the plurality of frame elements.

[0008] According to another aspect, there is provided a sports target system, comprising: a sports goal that includes a frame with a plurality of frame elements, and a target assembly. The target assembly includes a target board that has a pair of opposing faces and at least one perimeter side surface extending between the pair of opposing faces, and at least one target element that is connected to the target board, wherein the target board includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface, the channel being sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and wherein the target board is sized such that when the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel on the at least one perimeter side surface can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening defined between the plurality of frame elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the target assembly connected to the sports goal in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 1; where an opening (O) of the sports goal is illustrated;

[0012] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 1, where a plane (P) is illustrated on the sports goal;

[0013] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the target assembly and sports goal of FIG. 1, where a target board of the target assembly is aligned along the plane (P) and a channel of the target board is substantially aligned with at least some of a plurality of frame elements of the sports goal;

[0014] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the target assembly and sports goal of FIG. 1, where the target board of the target assembly has been advanced along the plane (P) and some of the plurality of frame elements are partially received in the channel on the target board;

[0015] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the target assembly and sports goal of FIG. 1, where the target board of the target assembly has been further advanced along the plane (P) and some of the plurality of frame elements are more fully received in the channel on the target board;

[0016] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a top side of the target board from the target assembly in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the target board of the target assembly in FIG. 4A, where the target elements have been removed from the mounting apertures;

[0018] FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a bottom side of the target board from the target assembly in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a target board of the target assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6A shows a side view of the embodiment of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6B shows a magnified perspective view of one of the frame elements of the sports goal aligned with the channel of the embodiment of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 6C shows a magnified side view of the embodiment of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 6D shows a magnified side view of one of the frame elements of the sports goal received within the channel of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one of the frame elements of the sports goal received within the channel of the target board in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a multi-piece construction of the sports goal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the multi-piece construction of the sports goal in FIG. 8A, where the sports goal includes a cord take-up element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0028] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” will be understood to denote “at least one” in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean “one.”

[0029] As used herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended, and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising,” and variations thereof mean the specified features, steps or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0031] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0032] “Memory” refers to a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium for storing information (e.g., data or data structures) in a format readable by a processor, and / or instructions (e.g., computer code or software programs or modules) that are readable and executable by a processor to implement an algorithm. The term “memory” includes a single device or a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. Non-limiting types of memory include solid-state semiconductor, optical, magnetic, and magneto-optical computer readable media. Examples of memory technologies include optical discs such as compact discs (CD-ROMs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs), magnetic media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, and solid state semiconductor random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) devices, flash memory devices, memory chips and combinations of the foregoing. Memory may be non-volatile or volatile. Memory may be physically attached to a processor, or remote from a processor. Memory may be removable or non-removable from a system including a processor. Memory may be operatively connected to a processor in such as way as to be accessible by a processor. Instructions stored by a memory may be based on a plurality of programming and / or markup languages known in the art, with non-limiting examples including the C, C++, C#, Python™, MATLAB™, Java™, JavaScript™, Perl™, PHP™, SQL™, Visual Basic™, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and combinations of the foregoing. Instructions stored by a memory may also be implemented by configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device.

[0033] “Processor”, or “processing unit” refers to one or more electronic hardware devices that is / are capable of reading and executing instructions stored on a memory to perform operations on data, which may be stored on a memory or provided in a data signal. The term “processor” includes a single device or a plurality of physically discrete, operatively connected devices despite use of the term in the singular. The plurality of processors may be arrayed or distributed. Non-limiting examples of processors include integrated circuit semiconductor devices and / or processing circuit devices referred to as computers, servers or terminals having single or multi-processor architectures, microprocessors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units (MCU), central processing units (CPU), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), digital signal processors, and combinations of the foregoing.

[0034] Any method, application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable / executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by a memory, and executed by a processor. Aspects of the present disclosure may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, such that the processor, and a memory storing the instructions, which execute via the processor, collectively constitute a machine for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0035] The flowcharts and functional block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0036] The embodiments described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

[0037] When training an athlete's skills in the various sports that use a sports goal, a target assembly can be provided on the sports goal for developing the athletes'skills. The target assembly can include a portion that is placed at a face or opening of the sports goal, where this face or opening is defined by the frame of the sports goal. The target assembly can include a board or panel-like element that will that deflects objects when the panel is placed at the opening of the sports goal. The target assembly can define target locations thereon, where the athlete can shoot external objects towards these target locations to develop their skills, and the target assembly can produce responses based on the external objects hitting the target locations.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a perspective view of a target assembly 110 and a sports goal 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The target assembly is the target assembly 110 and is for use with the sports goal 100, where the sports goal has a frame 102 with a plurality of frame elements 104.

[0039] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1 and 3A to 7, the target assembly 110 comprises a target board 120 that has a pair of opposing faces 121 and at least one perimeter side surface 125 extending between the pair of opposing faces 121. The target assembly 110 also comprises at least one target element 140 that is connected to the target board 120. The target board 120 is generally structured to facilitate the connection of the target board 120 to the frame 102 of the sports goal 100. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 7, the target board 120 includes a channel 130 that is formed along at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface 125 of the target board 120. The channel 130 is sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 to thereby secure the target board 120 against the frame 102 of the sports goal 100.

[0040] In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 3A, the target board 120 is sized such that when the target board 120 is oriented along a plane (P) defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements 104, the channel 130 on the at least one perimeter side surface 125 can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104, and the target board 120 can then be slid along the plane and along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are releasably received within the channel 130, and the target board 120 is held in an opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104. In the use of the target assembly 110 as disclosed herein, the target board 120 can be secured to the frame 102 of the sports goal 100, and the target board 120 can at least partially prevent an external playing object (e.g., a hockey puck) from entering the sports goal 100 through the opening (O) of the sports goal 100.

[0041] The channel 130 on the target board 120 engages frame elements 104 of the sports goal 100 for securing the target assembly 110 in the opening (O) defined between the frame elements 104. The channel 130 is structured to secure the target board 120 in place and to thereby substantially prevent the target assembly 110 from falling through or moving away from the opening (O) of the sports goal 100. The external playing object can be shot towards the target board 120 (aiming at the at least one target element 140 on the target board 120) for developing shooting skills. By providing the channel 130 on the target board 120, the target board 120 can be held on the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 without the use of straps or similar attachment fixtures for holding the target board 120 in place. The board is able to slide freely in and out of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 along the plane (P).

[0042] Various structures, configurations, and arrangements of the sports goal 100 are provided by the present disclosure. For example, the sports goal 100 can be a hockey goal, soccer goal, lacrosse goal, or other suitable goal that defines an opening into which players can shoot external play objects.

[0043] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3C, and 7 to 8B, the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 include a pair of side posts 104a and a crossbar 104b extending between the pair of side posts 104a.

[0044] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 3C, the sports goal 100 includes the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b. The sports goal 100 also includes a ground support bar 104c connected to two side posts 104a, which together support the crossbar 104b on top of the two side posts 104a. The ground support bar 104c is connected between the side posts 104a to stabilize the spaced apart side posts 104a that support a crossbar 104b. The ground support bar 104c connects to the side posts 104a and lies on the ground to hold up the sports goal 100 such that the opening (O) of the sports coal is substantially vertical, and is oriented substantially perpendicular to a ground surface, thereby keeping the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 in an accessible position. The ground support bar 104c can be a number of shapes, including a U- or V-shape, depending on the sport that is desired to be played or practiced.

[0045] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104 is defined in a space between the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b.

[0046] In an additional embodiment, when the sports goal 100 is resting on the ground surface, the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104 is defined by the ground surface, the two side posts 104a, and the crossbar 104b.

[0047] In the embodiments where the plurality of frame elements 104 include the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b, the dimensions and relative orientation of the side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b determines the dimensions of the sports goal opening (O).

[0048] In another additional embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 2B and 3A, the plane (P) defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements 104 is defined by the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b. The plane (P) substantially bisects each of the pair of side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b such that each of the side posts 104a and the crossbar 104b extend along the plane (P). In this configuration of the plane (P), the plane (P) effectively extends across the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104.

[0049] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3C and 8A to 8B, the sports goal includes at least one rear support bar 104d. The at least one rear support bar 104d provides a structure on which a netting or other object catching material can be connected for further defining a goal space of the sports goal 100.

[0050] In the various embodiments of the sports goal 100 provided in the present disclosure, the frame 102 of the sports goal can have a one-piece or multi-piece construction

[0051] In the embodiments where the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 has a one-piece construction, the frame 102 is a single piece of framework, and the plurality of frame elements 104 are distinct sections of the single piece of framework that are integrally formed together.

[0052] In the embodiments where the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 has a multi-piece construction, the plurality of frame elements 104 can each define one or more distinct support pieces of the frame 102. An embodiment of the sports goal 100 that has a multi-piece construction is provided below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. As a multi-piece sports goal100, the sports goal 100 can be disassembled and folded quickly and easily for storage and transport.

[0053] In the various embodiments of the sports goal 100 provided in the present disclosure, the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 can be made, in whole or in part, of metal, plastic, composites, or combinations thereof. The plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 may be composed of wood, plastic, or metal, and in some embodiments may have a hollow core. The plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 can be made of circular tubing, square tubing, rectangular tubing, and other tubing.

[0054] The type of material and dimensions (e.g., diameter and thickness) of the frame elements 104 and frame 102 of the sports goal 100 can be selected such that the frame 102 has mechanical properties suitable to withstand the impact of shots while not being too heavy to make handling the frame 102 impractical. In embodiments for use with relatively hard external objects (e.g., hockey pucks), the frame 102 can be a tubular frame made of metal capable of withstanding significant impact forces. In embodiments for use with relatively soft external objects (e.g., foam balls, rubber balls, tennis balls, etc.), the frame 102 can be made of plastic (e.g., plastic tubing), aluminum, and other lightweight material.

[0055] In an embodiment, the sports goal 100 includes an object blocking material (e.g., netting) that is connected to the sports goal 100 for blocking external objects that are shot through the opening (O) of the sports goal 100.

[0056] In an additional embodiment, the object blocking material of the sports goal 100 is a net that is connected to the frame 102 of the sports goal 100.

[0057] The net may be removably or irremovably affixed to the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102. The net is of a dimension to adequately cover the frame 102 and to thereby define the goal space of the sports goal 100. The bottom of the net can attach to the ground support bar 104c and can be draped over the rear support bar 104d such that the top of the net can be attached to the top crossbar 104b, and the sides of the net attached to the side posts 104a. The net can remain attached to the frame 102, which allows the sports goal 100 to be used or stored as a single unit. In some embodiments, the net is permanently connected to the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102. In at least some other embodiments, the net is removably connected to the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102. The net may be connected to the plurality of frame elements 104 with hooks, clips, or the like.

[0058] Referring now to the structure of the target assembly 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, and 3A to 7, the target board 120 of the target assembly 120 is structured as a generally planar or non-planar board with a periphery that defines the at least one perimeter side surface 125.

[0059] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1, and 3A to 7, each face of the pair of opposing face 121 is formed as a substantially flat face. When the target board 120 includes the opposing, substantially flat faces 121 and the target board 120 is held in the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 140, the opposing, substantially flat faces 121 will be substantially parallel to the opening (O) and the plane (P) defined by the one or more frame elements 104.

[0060] Various shapes, configurations, and arrangements of the target board 120 are provided by the present disclosure.

[0061] In some embodiments, the target board 120 is sized such that the target board 120 obstructs substantially all of an area of the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 (i.e., the opening (O) defined between the plurality of frame elements 104) when the target board 120 is held in the opening (O). In at least some other embodiments, the target board 120 is sized such that the target board 120 only obstructs part of the area of the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 when the target board 120 is held in the opening (O).

[0062] As provided above, the target board 120 includes the pair of opposing faces 121 and the at least one perimeter side surface 125. In an embodiment such as provided in FIG. 4A, the pair of opposing faces 121 of the target board 120 each include a plurality of perimeter edges 122 such that the at least one perimeter side surface 125 includes a plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 corresponding to the plurality of perimeter edges 122.

[0063] In a first embodiment of the target board provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the target board 120 has a polygonal form where at least some of the corners of the polygonal form are rounded such that perimeter edges 122 on either side of the corners form substantially continuous edges. In this way, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 include at least two distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes at least two distinct side surfaces 125.

[0064] In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include at least a bottom edge 123 and an upper edge 124.

[0065] In another additional embodiment such as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper edge 124 is a continuous edge that includes a pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a and a top edge section 124b between the pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a. In this way, the pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a and the top edge section 124b collectively form the upper edge 124.

[0066] In at least some of the embodiments where the upper edge 124 includes the opposing lateral edge sections 124a and the top edge section 124b, the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 include a bottom side surface 126 and an upper side surface 127 corresponding, respectively, to the bottom edge 123 and the upper edge 124.

[0067] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper side surface 127 is a continuous surface that includes at least a pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b between the pair of pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a.

[0068] In a second embodiment of the target board, provided in FIG. 5, the target board 120 has a polygonal form with three or more corners. The plurality of perimeter edges 122 include three or more distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes three or more distinct side surfaces 125.

[0069] In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIG. 5, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include a pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and a top edge 124d.

[0070] In another additional embodiment, the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 include a pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and a top side surface 129 corresponding, respectively, to the pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and the top edge 124d.

[0071] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4B to 5, 6B and 7, the target board includes at least one mounting aperture 136 that is open to at least the first face 121a of the pair of opposing faces 121. The at least one mounting aperture 136 is structured such that the at least one target element 140 can be connected thereto for holding the at least one target element 140 on the target board 120.

[0072] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 4B to 5, 6B and 7, the at least one mounting aperture 136 is a plurality of mounting apertures 136. The plurality of mounting apertures 136 are arranged in a pattern on the target board 120 and extend through the thickness of the target board 120, between the first face 121a and the second face 121b of the pair of opposing faces 121.

[0073] In an embodiment, the target assembly 110 can include one or more additional layers that are removably or integrally formed with target board 120. The one or more additional layers can provide additional functionality or benefit to the function of the target board 120. For example, the one or more additional layers can include a layer of protective padding. The layer of protective padding may be placed on at least the first side of the pair of opposing sides of the target board in such a way as to protect the material of the target board from being cut, broken, or otherwise damaged. The protective padding can be a cover (e.g., a cover made of heavy nylon fabric or heavyweight canvas), panels (e.g., foam or rubber panels), or the like.

[0074] Various arrangements of the channel 130 can be provided on the at least one perimeter side surface 125 of the target board 120. While the present disclosure refers to “channel” in the singular, at least some embodiments of the target board 120 may include a “channel” that is made up of a number of distinct, spaced apart channel sections that collectively form the channel 130 on the at least one perimeter side surface 125 of the target board 120.

[0075] In some embodiments, the channel 130 extends substantially entirely along a width of the at least one perimeter side surface 125 such that a width of the channel 130 is substantially equivalent to the width of the at least one perimeter side surface 125. In at least some other embodiments, only part of the width of the at least one perimeter surface 125 forms the channel 130.

[0076] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the target board where the at least one perimeter side surface 125 is a plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125, the channel 130 (either as a single, continuous channel or as multiple channel sections) can extend at least partially along some or all of the plurality of perimeter side surface 125. Said another way, the channel 130 is formed along at least part of the length of at least some of the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125.

[0077] In an embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the bottom side surface 126 and the upper side surface 127 (including the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b), the channel 130 is formed along at least part of the length of at least two of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b.

[0078] In an additional embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the bottom side surface 126 and the upper side surface 127, the channel 130 is formed along each of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a and a top surface section 127b.

[0079] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the channel 130 includes a first channel portion 131, a second channel portion 132, and a third channel portion 133, where the first channel portion 131 is formed along one lateral surfaces section 127a of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a, the second channel portion 132 is formed along the other surfaces sections 127a of the pair of lateral surfaces sections 127a, and the third channel portion 133 is formed on the top surface section 127b. In this embodiment, the target board 120 is sized such that when the target board 120 is oriented along the plane defined by the plurality of frame elements 104, each of the first and second channel portions 131, 132 can be aligned with and slid along a unique side post 104a of the pair of side posts 104a until the pair of side posts 104a are releasably received within the first and second channel portions 131, 132 and the crossbar 104b is releasably received within the third channel portion 133.

[0080] In an embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129, the channel 130 is formed along at least part of the length of at least two of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129.

[0081] In an additional embodiment where the plurality of perimeter side surface 125 include the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129, the channel 130 is formed along each of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and the top side surface 129.

[0082] In another additional embodiment, the channel 130 includes the first channel portion 131, the second channel portion 132 and the third channel portion 133, where the first channel portion 131 is formed along one lateral side surface of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128, the second channel portion 132 is formed along the other lateral side surface of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128, and the third channel portion 133 is formed on the top side surface 129. In this embodiment, the target board 120 is sized such that when the target board 120 is oriented along the plane defined by the plurality of frame elements 104, each of the first and second channel portions 131, 132 can be aligned with and slid along a unique side post 104a of the pair of side posts 104a until the pair of side posts 104a are releasably received within the first and second channel portions 131, 132 and the crossbar 104b is releasably received within the third channel portion 133.

[0083] As noted above, various structures, configurations, and forms of the channel 130 are provided for in the present disclosure. In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the channel 130 has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length thereof.

[0084] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the channel 130 is a rounded channel that includes at least one radiused channel surface 134.

[0085] In an additional embodiment also shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the channel 130 is a concave channel 130a with a concave cross-sectional form. The concave channel 130a includes the at least one radiused channel surface 134 that is formed as a convex surface therealong. The convex surface has an arced, partially circular form.

[0086] In other embodiments, the channel 130 can have a partially-circular cross-sectional form, a semi-circular cross-sectional form, a rectangular cross-sectional form, or other suitable cross sections for releasably receiving the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104.

[0087] In the embodiments where the channel 130 has a cross-sectional form that is concave, partially-circular, half-circular, rounded or other similar forms, the at least some of the plurality of frame members 104 of the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 which are received by the channel 130 can have rounded, substantially tubular forms such that the plurality of frame 102 members 104 can be slidable received within the channel 130 (see FIG. 6D).

[0088] An embodiment of the method by which the target assembly 110 can be assembled onto the sports goal 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3A to 3C.

[0089] To assemble the target assembly 110 on the sports goal 100, the sports goal 100 can be placed on the ground surface with a bottoms of the side posts 104a and the ground support bar 104c supporting the sports goal 100 on the ground surface. The sports goal 100 can then be tipped over such that the sports goal 100 is resting on ground surface, and the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 is facing in a generally upwards direction. In this position, the sports goal 100 is supported on the ground surface by some of the plurality of frame elements 104 (such as the ground support bar 104c and rear support bar 104d if the ground support bar 104c and rear support bar 104d are present on the sports goal 100).

[0090] With the sports goal 100 supported on the ground surface by some of the plurality of frame elements 104 and the opening (O) facing generally upwards, the plane (P) defined between at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 is oriented to be more horizontal than vertical. From this arrangement of the sports goal 100 and the plane (P), the target board 120 of the target assembly 110 can be brought into proximity to the sports goal 100, and manipulated relative to the sports goal 100 such that the target board is in substantial alignment with the plane (P) but is spaced apart from the plurality of frame elements of the sports goal 100 along the plane (P) (see FIG. 3A). When the target board is substantially aligned with the plane (P) such as shown in FIG. 3A, the target board 120 is substantially co-planar with the plane (P). The target board 120 can then be further manipulated such that the channel 130 is substantially aligned with the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104.

[0091] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the channel 130 being “aligned” with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 means that the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are positioned relative to the channel 130 such that if the target board 120 is slid towards the some of the plurality of frame elements 103 along the plane (P), the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 will be at least partially slidably received within the channel 130.

[0092] In some other embodiments of the disclosure, the channel 130 being “aligned” with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 means that the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are positioned relative to the channel 130 such that the channel 130 is substantially concentric with the radiused channel surface 134 of the channel 130.

[0093] In still some other embodiments of the disclosure, the channel 130 being “aligned” with at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 means that a long axis of each side post 104a is substantially colinear with a centerline of the channel 130, where the centerline of the channel 130 is defined at a center of curvature of the radiused channel surface 134 of the channel 130.

[0094] Once the target board has been manipulated such that the target board 120 is oriented along the plane (P) and the channel 130 is substantially aligned with the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104, the target board 120 is then slid along the plane (P) until the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are slidably received within the channel 130 (see FIG. 3B). The target board 120 is slid further along the plane (P) and the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 (see FIG. 3C) until a predetermined length of each frame element 104 of the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 is received and held within the channel (see FIG. 1). In this position, the target board 120 can be said to be mounted within the opening (O) of the sports goal 100. Once the target board 120 is mounted within the opening (O) of the sports goal 100, the sports goal 100 can be tipped back to an upright position where the opening (O) of the sports goal 100 is substantially perpendicular to the ground surface and the target board 120 is held in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0095] In the various embodiments of the target assembly 110 and sports goal 100, the target board 120 can be held one the substantially vertical orientation, where the substantially vertical orientation refers to a position within ranges of small angles from the vertical, for example, angles between about 1 degree and 5 degrees from vertical (e.g., angles between about 1 degree and about 2.5 degrees, angles between about 2.5 degrees and about 5 degrees, or the like).

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, the channel 130 and at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 can be relatively sized such that when the some of the plurality of frame elements 104 are received and held within the channel 130, a bottommost end of the target board 120 does not extend below a bottommost extent of the sports goal 100 (such as the bottom ends of the side posts 104a).

[0097] To disassemble the target assembly 110 from the sports goal 100, the sports goal can be tiled back down to the orientation where the sports goal 100 is supported on the ground surface by some of the plurality of frame elements 104 and the opening (O) facing generally upwards. In this orientation, the target board 120 can be slid back along the at least some of the frame 102 members 104 and along the plane (P) until the channel 130 slides of the at least some of the plurality of frame elements 104 and the target board 120 can be removed from the frame 102 of the sports goal 100. In some embodiments, the sports goal 100 can then be disassembled, folded, or otherwise reconfigured for convenient transport and storage.

[0098] In an embodiment, the present disclosure also provides for a sports target kit. The sports target kit comprises the sports goal 100 that includes the frame 102 with the plurality of frame elements 104. The sports target kit also comprises the target assembly 110, where the target assembly 110 includes the target board 120 that has the pair of opposing faces 121 and at least one perimeter side surface 125 extending between the pair of opposing faces 121, and at least one target element 140 that is connected to the target board 120.

[0099] Various shapes, configurations, and arrangements of the at least one target element 140 are provided by the present disclosure.

[0100] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1A, 3A to 3C and 4A, the at least one target element 140 is connected to the target board 120 such that the at least one target element 140 is exposed on a first face 121a of the pair of opposing faces 121. In this embodiment, the target board 120 is configured to be mounted on the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 such that the first face 121a of the pair of opposing faces 121 faces outwards from the opening (O) of the sports goal 100.

[0101] The least target element 140 can be connected to the target board in various ways. In an embodiment, the at least one target element 140 is at least one of: coupled with the target board 120, removable from the target board 120, and integrated with the target board 120. By providing the least target element 140 which may be removable or integrated with the target board, different functionalities may be realized by the target board 120 and target assembly 110 of the present disclosure.

[0102] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1A, 3A to 3C and 4A, the at least one target element 140 of the target assembly 110 is a plurality of target elements 140. The plurality of target elements 140 can be arranged on the target board 120 in various patterns. For example, the arrangement of plurality of target elements 140 on the target board 120 can correspond to areas typically not-blocked by a sports goalie guarding the sports goal 100. This arrangement of the plurality of target elements can help players develop skill in shooting to desired scoring areas

[0103] In an embodiment, the at least one target element 140 includes a base portion and an actuating portion that is movably connected to the base portion for moving from an unactuated position towards an actuated position in response to an external sports object hitting the at least one target element 140.

[0104] As noted above, some embodiments of the target board can include the at least one mounting aperture 136 that is formed thereon and that is exposed to at least the first face 121a. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the at least one mounting aperture 136 generally corresponds to the at least one target element 140 and, in at least some embodiments, the at least one target element 140 is disposed within the at least one mounting aperture 136.

[0105] In one such embodiment where the at least one target element 140 includes the base portion and the actuating portion, the base portion is fixedly connected within the at least one mounting aperture 136 such that actuating portion can move between unactuated and actuated positions within the at least one mounting aperture 136.

[0106] In an alternate embodiment, the target board 120 includes the at least one mounting aperture 136, the at least one target element 140 includes an actuating portion (but not the base portion). The actuating portion is movably mounted within at least one mounting aperture 136 for moving from the unactuated position towards the actuated position in response to the external sports object hitting the at least one target element.

[0107] In an embodiment, the target apparatus 110 is configured as an electronic target apparatus that can detect an external sports object contacting the target apparatus 110, and can, in some embodiments, produce a response based on the external sports object contacting the target apparatus 110.

[0108] In an embodiment where the target apparatus 110 is an electronic target apparatus, the target apparatus 110 further comprises at least one controller, and at least one contact sensor element that corresponds to the at least one target element 140. The at least one contact sensor element is communicatively connected to the at least one controller and is operatively coupled to the at least one target element 140. The contact sensor element is configured for detecting the external sports object hitting the at least one target element 140 and for providing a signal to the at least one controller in response to the external object hitting the at least one target element 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact sensor element includes a push button sensor.

[0109] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 4B, 4C and 5, the at least one mounting aperture 136 is a plurality of mounting apertures 136 that extend through the target board 120, between the pair of opposing faces 121. The target board 120 includes a storage recess 138 for housing the at least one controller. A second face 121b of the pair of opposing faces 121 includes a connection channel 137 that extends between each of the plurality of mounting apertures 136 and the storage recess 138. When the communicative connection between the contact sensor element and the at least one controller includes a wired connection of one or more wires, the one or more wires can be disposed within connection channel 137 and run between the at least one controller in the storage recess 138 and the target element 140 in each of the plurality of mounting apertures 136.

[0110] In an additional embodiment, the at least one controller has a number of physical and logical components, including a processing unit, random access memory (“RAM”), an input / output (“I / O”) interface, a network interface, non-volatile storage, and a local bus enabling the processing unit to communicate with the other components. The processing unit executes processor-executable instructions that are stored on the RAM or the non-volatile storage. RAM provides relatively-responsive volatile storage to the processing unit. The I / O interface allows for input to be received from the one or more control sensor and allows for information to be output to one or more output devices on the target assembly 110, such as a display system, an illumination system, and / or speakers. During operation of the at least one controller, the operating system, the programs, and the data may be retrieved from the non-volatile storage and placed in RAM to facilitate execution. It will be appreciated that the at least one controller can, in some embodiments, include two or more physical controllers in communication with each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components can reside on separate physical controllers. The display system can, in various embodiments, provide instructions or other play information to a user of the target assembly 110 who is shooting external sports objects at the sports goal 100.

[0111] In another additional embodiment, the target assembly 110 includes a plurality of illumination elements as part of the illumination system. Each of the plurality of illumination elements corresponds to one of the plurality of target elements 140 and is communicatively connected to the at least one controller. The storage in the at least one controller is programmed with processor-executable instructions to control the illumination of each of the illumination elements. The controlled illumination of the illumination elements can be used to provide an indication to a user that they should shoot the external sports object (i.e., hockey puck) at one or more of the target elements 140 that correspond to one or more illumination elements that are illuminated. The controlled illumination of the illumination elements can also be used to provide various different play modes for using the target assembly 110. The illumination elements can, in various embodiments, provide all the same or different colors of light when illuminated.

[0112] In an embodiment, the sports goal 100 has a multi-piece construction and is provided as a collapsible, portable sports goal 100. The frame 102 of the sports goal 100 that includes the plurality of frame elements 104 is a hollow frame 102, and each of the plurality of frame elements 104 is formed as one or more individual support pieces. The individual support pieces formed by the plurality of frame elements 104 are removably connectable to one another such that the frame 102 of the sports goal 100 has the collapsible, multi-piece construction.

[0113] In an embodiment where each frame element 104 of the plurality of frame elements 104 is formed as the one or more individual support pieces, the individual support pieces can be connected by a suitable connection structure (such as friction fit joints or separate couplers), and can be collectively connected to each other to form the whole frame 102 of the sports goal 100. The individual support pieces of the frame 102 define a plurality of individual segments of the frame 102 that are selectively connected to one another using the suitable connection structure.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment where the connection structures of the sports goal 100 include separate couples, the separate couples may have an inner diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of the individual support pieces with which they connect. These couplers can be straight line couplers, elbow couplers, and T-shaped couplers, as non-limiting examples. Other shapes for the couplers may also be employed to impart a desired shape to the sports goal 100 upon assembly, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, some of the plurality of individual support pieces (which make up the plurality of frame elements 104 of the frame 102) are shown herein as being formed the friction fit connection joins. The friction fit joints include openings formed in the ends of at least some of the individual support pieces and projections formed in the ends of the individual support pieces that do not contain the openings. The projections have a diameter less than the opening, and the openings are configured to receive a projection from adjacent individual support piece, and to have a friction fit with the same. In this manner, the end of one of the individual support pieces will function as the coupler even though it is integrally formed as a one-piece unitary structure with the corresponding individual support piece.

[0116] FIGS. 8A and 8B further illustrates that the ground individual support piece segments are connected to the sidebar segments by the elbow joint projections. The individual support pieces that make up the crossbar 104b connected to the ground support bar 104c using similar elbow joint projections.

[0117] In an embodiment, the sports goal 100 is constructed such that each individual support piece of the frame 102 is interlinked with the other support pieces even when the individual support pieces are separated from one other (i.e., the friction fit joints or couplers are not connecting the support pieces together).

[0118] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the frame 102 contains an elastic cord 160 that provides the interlinking of the individual support pieces even when the individual support pieces themselves are separated. The elastic cord 160 is under tensions, and this tension is used to hold the frame 102 together when the sports goal 100 is set up. The elastic cord 160 also holds the frame 102 together when the sports goal 100 is collapsed on itself so the sports goal 100 can be quickly set up or collapsed down for transportation. The elastic cord 160 uses compressive forces from the tension in the cord to link the individual support pieces of the frame 102 together.

[0119] In at least some embodiments, the elastic cord 160 is threaded substantially throughout the entire frame 102. When the elastic cord 160 is substantially threaded throughout the entire frame 102, the ends of the elastic cord 160 are connected together to create continuous cord / cable loops which creates one continuous sports goal frame 102. Alternatively, the elastic cord 160s / cables could be stretched and connected to the frame 102 on each side of each junction so as to make up multiple stretched cords / cables that are then used to maintain one continuous sports goal frame 102. The compressive force of the elastic cord 160 / cable then acts to hold the sports goal together when erected or when folded. With either construction, the compressive force of the elastic cord 160 / cable would hold the frame 102 together during use. The frame 102 with a hollow core along with the elastic cord 160 / cable comprise the sports goal of this invention.

[0120] In at least some embodiments, the elastic cord 160 has a pretension imparted thereto, and is configured to retain a tension even when the sports goal is fully assembled. The elastic cord 160 not only keeps all of the couplers and individual support pieces, together in proper orientation for assembly, but also applies a compressive force against the connected individual support pieces, and the couplers when assembled, thereby providing a desired rigidity to the sports goal 100.

[0121] In the various embodiments of the disclosure, the elastic cord 160 can run throughout the interior of the frame 102 substantially continuously (as shown in FIG. 8A) or can be internally attached to at least some of the individual support pieces. Where the elastic cord 160 is continuous, it should be appreciated that it may run through individual support pieces more than once, depending on the overall construction of the sports goal 100. In either embodiment, the cord traverses the junction between the couplers and individual support pieces, keeping the couplers and individual support pieces interlinked at all times.

[0122] In a first embodiment, the elastic cord 160 runs throughout the frame 102 continuously. The ends of the cord are connected together to create a continuous cord loop, which reinforces the frame 102 of the sports goal 100. It should be appreciated that the continuous loop may be doubled or more in particular segments of the sports goal frame 102, depending on the configuration. The compressive force of the continuous elastic loop acts to hold the sports goal 100 together when erected, and to keep the various segments loosely interlinked when the sports goal 100 is disassembled. The continuous elastic loop applies a compressive force against the interlinked individual support pieces, resisting the unintentional disassembly thereof when the frame 102 is assembled.

[0123] In a second, alternate embodiment, the elastic cord 160 is not continuous, but is provided in sections with each section internally attached to at least two of the individual support pieces. The elastic cord 160 traverses the junction between the at least two of the individual support pieces, resulting in multiple stretched cords that are then used to maintain one continuous frame 102 of the sports goal 100 when the frame 102 is assembled. The compressive force of the elastic cord 160 acts to hold the sports goal 100 together when erected or when folded. The elastic cord 160 applies a compressive force against the at least two of the individual support pieces, resisting the unintentional disassembly of all of the individual support pieces.

[0124] In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 8B, the sports goal 100 includes at least one cord take-up element 162 that is connected to the elastic cord 160. The at least one cord take-up element 162 is operable for increasing and / or decreasing an amount of tension within the elastic cord 160. The at least one cord take-up element 162 can be used to adjust the amount of tension within the elastic cord 160 and thereby draw the individual support pieces of the frame 102 closer together to provide for easier assembly of the individual support pieces when assembling the frame 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one cord take-up element 162 includes a drawstring adjuster.

[0125] As a single unit made up of the connectable, individual support pieces (and couplers), the sports goal 100 can be disassembled and folded quickly and easily for storage and transport, while militating against a loss of individual pieces due to the use of the elastic cord 160 or other similar structures. While the multi-piece sports goal 100 with interlinked individual support pieces has been described above with specificity to an internal elastic cord 160, it will be understood that other types of implementations of the elastic cord 160 will occur to those of skill in the art.

[0126] It should be appreciated that the sports goal 100 may be provided as a kit, for example, disposed in a bag in a disassembled form for transport and later reassembly at a desired location for end use as the sports goal 100.

[0127] The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present disclosure and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.REFERENCE NUMERALS100 sports goal

[0129] 102 frame

[0130] 104 frame elements

[0131] 104a side posts

[0132] 104b crossbar

[0133] 104c ground support bar

[0134] 104d rear support bar

[0135] 110 target assembly

[0136] 120 target board

[0137] 121 pair of opposing faces

[0138] 121a first face

[0139] 121b second face

[0140] 122 perimeter edges

[0141] 123 bottom edge

[0142] 124 upper edge

[0143] 124a opposing lateral edge sections

[0144] 124b top edge section

[0145] 124b bottom edge

[0146] 124c substantially parallel, lateral edges

[0147] 124d top edge

[0148] 125 perimeter side surfaces

[0149] 126 bottom side surface

[0150] 127 upper side surface

[0151] 127a lateral surfaces sections

[0152] 127b top surface section

[0153] 128 opposing lateral side surfaces

[0154] 129 top side surface

[0155] 130 channel

[0156] 130a concave channel

[0157] 131 first channel portion

[0158] 132 second channel portion

[0159] 133 third channel portion

[0160] 134 channel surface

[0161] 136 mounting aperture

[0162] 137 connection channel

[0163] 138 storage recess

[0164] 140 target elements

[0165] 160 elastic cord

[0166] 162 cord take-up element

Examples

first embodiment

[0063]In the target board provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the target board 120 has a polygonal form where at least some of the corners of the polygonal form are rounded such that perimeter edges 122 on either side of the corners form substantially continuous edges. In this way, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 include at least two distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes at least two distinct side surfaces 125.

[0064]In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 1, 3A to 4C, and 6A to 7, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include at least a bottom edge 123 and an upper edge 124.

[0065]In another additional embodiment such as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper edge 124 is a continuous edge that includes a pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a and a top edge section 124b between the pair of opposing lateral edge sections 124a. In this way, the pair of oppos...

second embodiment

[0068]In the target board, provided in FIG. 5, the target board 120 has a polygonal form with three or more corners. The plurality of perimeter edges 122 include three or more distinct edges 122 on each face 121 such that the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 of the target board 120 includes three or more distinct side surfaces 125.

[0069]In an additional embodiment such as provided in FIG. 5, the plurality of perimeter edges 122 of the target board 120 include a pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and a top edge 124d.

[0070]In another additional embodiment, the plurality of perimeter side surfaces 125 include a pair of opposing lateral side surfaces 128 and a top side surface 129 corresponding, respectively, to the pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges 124c and the top edge 124d.

[0071]In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4B to 5, 6B and 7, the target board includes at least one mounting aperture 136 that is open to at least the first face 121a of th...

Claims

1. A target assembly for use on a sports goal having a frame with a plurality of frame elements, the target assembly comprising:a target board that has a pair of opposing faces and at least one perimeter side surface extending between the pair of opposing faces; andat least one target element that is connected to the target board;wherein the target board includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface, the channel being sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements; andwherein the target board is sized such that when the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel on the at least one perimeter side surface can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening defined between at least some of the plurality of frame elements.

2. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least target element is at least one of:coupled with the target board;removable from the target board; andintegrated with the target board.

3. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one target element is connected to the target board such that the at least one target element is exposed on a first face of the pair of opposing faces.

4. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of opposing faces of the target board each include a plurality of perimeter edges such that the at least one perimeter side surface includes a plurality of perimeter side surfaces corresponding to the plurality of perimeter edges.

5. The target assembly of claim 4, wherein the channel is formed along at least part of the length of at least some of the plurality of perimeter side surfaces.

6. The target assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of perimeter edges of the target board include at least a bottom edge and an upper edge.

7. The target assembly of claim 6, wherein the upper edge is a continuous edge that includes a pair of opposing lateral edge sections and a top edge section between the pair of opposing lateral edge sections.

8. The target assembly of claim 6, wherein the plurality of perimeter side surfaces include a bottom side surface and an upper side surface corresponding, respectively, to the bottom edge and the upper edge; andwherein the upper side surface is a continuous surface that includes at least a pair of lateral surfaces sections and a top surface section between the pair of pair of lateral surfaces sections.

9. The target assembly of claim 4, wherein the plurality of perimeter edges of the target board include a pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges and a top edge; andwherein the plurality of perimeter side surfaces include a pair of opposing lateral side surfaces and a top side surface corresponding, respectively, to the pair of substantially parallel, lateral edges and the top edge.

10. The target assembly of claim 9, wherein the channel is formed along at least part of the length of at least two of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces and the top side surface.

11. The target assembly of claim 9, wherein the channel is formed along each of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces and the top side surface.

12. The target assembly of claim 9, wherein the channel includes a first channel portion that is formed along one lateral side surface of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces, a second channel portion that is formed along the other lateral side surface of the pair of opposing lateral side surfaces, and a third channel portion that is formed on the top side surface.

13. The target assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of frame elements of the sports goal include a pair of side posts and a crossbar extending between the pair of side posts.

14. The target assembly of claim 12, wherein the target board is sized such that that when the target board is oriented along the plane defined by the one or more of the plurality of frame elements, each of the first and second channel portions can be aligned with and slid along a unique side post of the pair of side posts until the pair of side posts are releasably received within the first and second channel portions and the crossbar is releasably received within the third channel portion.

15. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel has a substantially uniform cross-section along the length thereof.

16. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel is a concave channel.

17. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel is a rounded channel.

18. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one target element is a plurality of target elements.

19. The target assembly of claim 1, further comprisingat least one controller; anda contact sensor element that is communicatively connected to the at least one controller and operatively coupled to the at least one target element, the contact sensor element being configured for detecting an external object hitting the at least one target element and for providing a signal to the at least one controller in response to the external object hitting the at least one target element.

20. A sports target system, comprising:a sports goal that includes a frame with a plurality of frame elements; anda target assembly, the target assembly including:a target board that has a pair of opposing faces and at least one perimeter side surface extending between the pair of opposing faces; andat least one target element that is connected to the target board;wherein the target board includes a channel that is formed around at least part of the at least one perimeter side surface, the channel being sized for releasably receiving and holding at least some of the plurality of frame elements; andwherein the target board is sized such that when the target board is oriented along a plane defined by one or more of the plurality of frame elements, the channel on the at least one perimeter side surface can be placed into substantial alignment with at least some of the plurality of frame elements, and the target board can then be slid along the at least some of the plurality of frame elements such that the at least some of the plurality of frame elements are releasably received within the channel and the target board is held in an opening defined between at least some of the plurality of frame elements.

Images