A goal frame for a football goal and a method of using the goal frame

Abstract

A goal frame for a football goal and a method of using the goal frame A goal frame for a football goal, the goal frame comprising: a first frame; a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame via a hinge; a lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in an open configuration in which the goal frame defines a goal; and wherein the first frame comprises an actuator arranged to actuate the lock mechanism.

Description

[0001] A goal frame for a football goal and a method of using the goal frame

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a goal frame such as a goal frame for football / soccer goal or hockey goal. Some embodiments relate to a goal frame comprising a first frame, a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame via a hinge, a lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in an open configuration in which the goal frame defines a goal, and wherein the first frame comprises an actuator arranged to actuate the lock mechanism.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[0002] Goals are used in many sports (such as football / soccer (association football) or hockey) as a boundary for scoring points (e.g., a goal).

[0006]

[0003] Collapsable goals are often used in sports training as part of training drills / exercises. The collapsable goals provide portability of the goals and provide a user with flexibility of using the goal.

[0007]

[0004] Collapsable goals can often be difficult to assemble and / or disassemble (e.g., for a user with limited mobility) and time consuming.

[0008]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above referenced problems.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010]

[0006] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a goal frame for a football goal, the goal frame comprising: a first frame; a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame via a hinge; a lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in an open configuration in which the goal frame defines a goal; and wherein the first frame comprises an actuator arranged to actuate the lock mechanism.

[0011]

[0007] The first frame being rotatably connected to the second frame via the hinge may enable the first frame and the second frame to be moveable (e.g., rotatably moveable) between the open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0008] The lock mechanism being arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration in which the goal frame defines a goal may provide a more durable and / or stable goal structure when used as a goal (e.g., during a training drill).

[0012]

[0009] The first frame comprising an actuator (e.g., rather than the hinge comprising the actuator) arranged to actuate the lock mechanism may enable a user of the goal frame to assemble and / or disassemble the goal frame while the user is standing.

[0013]

[0010] The lock mechanism may be defined at least in part by the hinge.

[0014]

[0011] The hinge may be fixedly connected to the second frame and the first frame. The hinge being fixedly connected the first and second frames may enable the first and second frame to move relative to one another around the hinge.

[0015]

[0012] The lock mechanism may comprise a lock member.

[0016]

[0013] The lock member may comprise a taper at a first end. The lock member comprising a taper at the first end may enable the lock member to move through (e.g., into and / or out of) the lock mechanism more easily thereby improving the reliability of the lock mechanism.

[0017]

[0014] The hinge may comprise an anchor portion and a first frame portion rotatable relative to the anchor portion, the anchor portion may comprise a female portion arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the open configuration.

[0018]

[0015] The female portion being arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the open configuration may enable the first frame connected to the first frame portion of the hinge to be fixed relative to the anchor portion, thereby locking the first frame in the open configuration.

[0019]

[0016] The first end may be shaped to slide across the anchor portion (e.g., a peripheral surface of the anchor portion) when moving to and from the open configuration. The first end being shaped to slide across the anchor portion (e.g., an outer portion of the anchor portion) may prevent the lock member from catching on the anchor portion when moving to and from the open configuration thereby improving the movement between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0020]

[0017] The first end may be rounded. The first end being rounded may prevent the lock member from catching on the anchor portion when moving to and from the open configuration.

[0018] The lock member may comprise an actuator connector at a second end. The actuator connecter may enable the lock member to be connected (e.g., directly connected) to the actuator (e.g., via a connection member).

[0021]

[0019] The female portion may comprise one or more vents. The female portion comprising one or more vents may allow ingress (e.g., water, debris, etc.) that may enter the female portion to exit the female portion. The one or more vents may resist and / or prevent a vacuum forming in the female portion when the female portion receives the locking member thereby providing improved reception of the locking member.

[0022]

[0020] The lock member may be resiliently biased to engage the female portion in the open configuration. The lock member being resiliently biased to engage the female portion in the open configuration acts to urge the lock member into the female portion such that goal frame remains in the open configuration thereby improving the reliability of the goal frame.

[0023]

[0021] The first frame portion may comprise a female portion arranged to receive at least half of the lock member when the actuator is actuated.

[0024]

[0022] The actuator may be located at (e.g., in and / or on) the first frame such that the actuator is operable by a user from a standing position. The actuator being located at the first frame such that the actuator is operable by a user from a standing position may enable a user of the goal frame to assemble and / or disassemble the goal frame while the user is standing.

[0025]

[0023] The actuator may be located at (e.g., in and / or on) an upper portion of the first frame, the upper portion comprising the portion of the first frame closer to a crossbar of the first frame than the hinge. The actuator being located at the upper portion of the first frame may enable a user of the goal frame to assemble and / or disassemble the goal frame while the user is standing.

[0026]

[0024] The actuator may be located at (e.g., in and / or on) the crossbar. The actuator being located at the cross bar may enable a user of the goal frame to assemble and / or disassemble the goal frame while the user is standing.

[0027]

[0025] The actuator may be located at the rear of the crossbar, the rear of the crossbar comprising a side of the crossbar opposite to a goal face defined by the goal frame. The actuator being located at the rear of the crossbar may reduce the likelihood of damage to the actuator (e.g., during a drill / exercise in which one or more balls are propelled towards the front of the goal). The actuator may be located substantially centrally at thecrossbar. For example, the actuator may be located substantially equidistant between a first side member of the first frame and a second side member of the first frame.

[0028]

[0026] The actuator may be connected to the lock member via a connection member.

[0029]

[0027] The hinge may comprise a further female portion arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in a closed configuration. The lock mechanism being arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in the closed configuration may provide a more durable goal frame when being transported (e.g., by a user).

[0030]

[0028] The anchor portion may comprise the further female portion.

[0031]

[0029] The further female portion may be arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the closed configuration. The further female portion being arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the closed configuration may enable the first frame connected to the first frame portion of the hinge to be fixed relative to the anchor portion thereby locking the first frame in the closed configuration.

[0032]

[0030] The further female portion may comprise a lock member receiving portion and a chute portion, the chute portion arranged to allow debris to exit the further female portion. The further female portion comprising the chute portion may enable debris that enters the further female portion (e.g., during use of the goal frame in the open configuration) to exit the further female portion thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the further female portion and the locking member.

[0033]

[0031] The chute portion may comprise an outwardly tapered surface. The chute portion comprising an outwardly tapered surface may enable debris that enters the further female portion (e.g., during use of the goal frame in the open configuration) to exit the further female portion thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the further female portion and the locking member.

[0034]

[0032] The second frame may rotatably connected to the first frame via a further hinge. The second frame being rotatably connected to the first frame via the hinge and the further hinge may provide more reliable rotation between the first frame and the second frame.

[0035]

[0033] The goal frame may comprise a further lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration. The goal frame comprising the lock mechanism and the further lock mechanism may provide a reliable may provide a more durable goal structure when used as a goal (e.g., during a training drill).

[0034] The actuator may be arranged to actuate the further lock mechanism. The actuator being arranged to actuate both the lock mechanism and the further lock mechanism may permit easier assembly and / or disassembly of the goal frame for a user.

[0036]

[0035] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of using the goal frame according to any preceding paragraph, the method comprising: rotating the second frame relative to the first frame via the hinge such that the first frame and the second frame are arranged in the open configuration; and actuating the actuator to lock the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration.

[0037]

[0036] The above features may be combined together in various combinations.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039]

[0037] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040]

[0038] FIG.1 illustrates a schematic of an example goal frame;

[0041]

[0039] FIGs 2A and 2B illustrate an upper perspective and a side view of an example goal frame;

[0042]

[0040] FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate a side and a rear upper perspective view of an example goal frame in an open configuration;

[0043]

[0041] FIGs 30 and 3D illustrate a side and a rear upper perspective view of the example goal frame shown in FIGs 3A and 3B in which the actuator is actuated;

[0044]

[0042] FIGs 3E and 3F illustrate a side and a rear upper perspective view of the example goal frame shown in FIGs 3A to 3D in which the goal frame is between the open configuration and the closed configuration;

[0045]

[0043] FIGs 3G and 3H illustrate a side and a rear upper perspective view of the example goal frame shown in FIGs 3A to 3F in which the goal frame is in the closed configuration;

[0046]

[0044] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a hinge of an example goal frame in which the locking member is received in the female portion of the anchor portion; and FIG. 4B shows a magnified view of portion H of FIG. 4A;

[0045] FIG. 40 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the hinge of FIG. 4A in which the locking member is not received in the female portion of the anchor portion; and FIG. 4D shows a magnified view of portion G of FIG. 40;

[0047]

[0046] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example goal frame in which the goal frame is between the open configuration and the closed configuration;

[0048]

[0047] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the example goal frame shown in FIG. 5A in which the goal frame is in the closed configuration; and

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using an example goal frame.

[0049]

[0049] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051]

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an example goal frame 100 for a football goal. The goal frame 100 may be a collapsable (e.g., foldable) goal frame 100 (e.g., collapsable from an open configuration to a closed configuration). The goal frame 100 may be for one or more sports such as football and / or hockey. The goal frame 100 may comprise a goal with or without a net.

[0052]

[0051] The goal frame 100 comprises a first frame 110 and a second frame 120 rotatably connected to the first frame 110 via a hinge 130. The goal frame 100 comprises a lock mechanism 140 arranged to lock the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 in an open configuration in which the goal frame 100 defines a goal. In other words, when the goal frame 100 is in the open configuration, the goal frame 100 is a goal that can be used in a drill and / or game.

[0053]

[0052] The first frame 110 comprises an actuator 150 arranged to actuate the lock mechanism 140.

[0054]

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1 , the lock mechanism 140 may be defined at least in part by the hinge 130. In some examples, the lock mechanism may be defined by the hinge 130 and the first frame 110.

[0055]

[0054] The hinge 130 may be fixedly connected to the second frame 120 and the first frame 110. The first and / or second frame 110, 120 may be connected to the hinge 130 such that the first and / or second frame 110, 120 is rotatable around the hinge 130.

[0055] The lock mechanism 140 may comprise a lock member. The lock member may comprise a first end and a second end (e.g., opposite at an opposite end of the locking member to the first end). The lock member may comprise a taper at the first end.

[0056]

[0056] The hinge 130 may comprise an anchor portion and a first frame portion rotatable relative to the anchor portion. The anchor portion may comprise a female portion arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the open configuration.

[0057]

[0057] The first end may be shaped to slide across the anchor portion when the locking member moves to and from the open configuration. For example, the first end may be rounded (e.g., the first end may comprise one or more rounded surfaces).

[0058]

[0058] The lock member may comprise an actuator connector at the second end. The actuator connecter may comprise a through hole at the second end. The actuator connector may comprise any suitable connector for connecting the lock member to the actuator 150.

[0059]

[0059] The female portion (of the anchor portion) may comprise one or more vents. The one or more vents may comprise one or more recesses (e.g., one or more through holes) defined by the female portion.

[0060]

[0060] The lock member may be resiliently biased to engage the female portion when the goal frame 100 is in the open configuration. The lock member may be resiliently biased via one or more springs. The one or more springs may comprise one or more compression springs. The first frame portion of the hinge may comprise the one or more springs. For example, the first frame portion may comprise a female portion arranged to retain the one or more springs.

[0061]

[0061] The female portion of the first frame portion may be arranged to receive at least half of the lock member when the actuator 150 is actuated.

[0062]

[0062] The lock member may be formed from a corrosion resistant material. For example, the lock member may be formed from stainless steel such as hardened stainless steel. In some examples, the lock member comprises a diameter of greater than 10mm such as 12mm.

[0063]

[0063] The lock member may be a rod. The lock member may be a bolt such as a deadbolt.

[0064]

[0064] The actuator 150 may be located at (e.g., in and / or on) the first frame 110 such that the actuator 150 is operable by a user from a standing position. In some examples,the actuator 150 may be located at (e.g., in and / or on) an upper portion of the first frame 110. The upper portion may comprise the portion of the first frame 110 closer to a crossbar of the first frame 110 than the hinge 130.

[0065]

[0065] In some examples, the actuator 150 may be located at (e.g., in and / or on) the crossbar. For example, the actuator may be located at the rear of the crossbar, the rear of the crossbar comprising a side of the crossbar opposite to a goal face defined by the goal frame 100 (e.g., in the open configuration).

[0066]

[0066] In some examples, the first frame 110 may comprise the crossbar, and first and second side members (e.g., first and second side posts). The side members may be connected via the crossbar. In some examples, the second frame 120 may comprise first and second side base members (e.g., first and second side base posts) and a rear base member. The side base members may be connected via the rear base member.

[0067]

[0067] The cross bar may comprise a longitudinal extent that is orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the first and second side members. The longitudinal extents of the cross bar and the side members may define a first frame plane. The cross bar may comprise a longitudinal extent (e.g., the length / width of the goal formed by the goal frame 100) of 400mm or more. The side members may comprise a longitudinal extent (e.g., the height of the goal formed by the goal frame 100) of 200mm or more.

[0068]

[0068] The rear base member may comprise a longitudinal extent that is orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the first and second side base members. The longitudinal extents of the rear base member and the side base members may define a second frame plane. The rear base member may comprise a longitudinal extent (e.g., the length / width of the goal formed by the goal frame 100) of 400mm or more. The side base members may comprise a longitudinal extent (e.g., the depth of the goal formed by the goal frame 100) of 200mm or more.

[0069]

[0069] The actuator may be located substantially centrally at the crossbar. For example, the actuator may be located substantially equidistant between the first side member of the first frame and the second side member of the first frame.

[0070]

[0070] In the open configuration, the first frame plane may be orthogonal to the second frame plane. In the closed configuration, the first frame plane may be parallel to the second frame plane.

[0071]

[0071] The first frame 110 and / or the second frame 120 may comprise one or more net connectors arranged to connect to the net of the goal formed by the goal frame 100 (e.g.,in the open configuration). The net connectors may comprise a zip. The first frame 110 and / or the second frame 120 may be formed from a metal such as Aluminium.

[0072]

[0072] The actuator 150 may be connected to the lock member via a connection member. In some examples, the connection member may comprise a cord. The cord may be a pull cord. The connection member may comprise any suitable connector such as a steel cable or nylon cable (e.g., nylon rope). The connector member may be contained (e.g., completely contained) within the first frame 110. In other words, the connection member may be internal to the first frame 110.

[0073]

[0073] The actuator 150 may be actuatable by a user. The actuator 150 may comprise a handle. The handle may comprise a strap (e.g., a webbing strap). The actuator may comprise a ratchet (e.g., a rotatable ratchet). In some examples, the handle of the actuator 150 may be connected (e.g., directly connected) to the connector of the lock member such that a user pulling the handle causes the lock member to move out of the female portion of the anchor portion.

[0074]

[0074] The hinge 130 may comprise a further female portion arranged to lock the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 in the closed configuration. The closed configuration may comprise a storage / transportation configuration (e.g., for storage and / or transportation of the goal frame 100).

[0075]

[0075] The anchor portion may comprise the further female portion. The further female portion may be arranged to receive at least part of the lock member when the goal frame 100 is in the closed configuration.

[0076]

[0076] The further female portion may comprise a lock member receiving portion and a chute portion. The chute portion may be arranged to allow debris to exit the further female portion (e.g., the debris exiting the chute portion due to gravity).

[0077]

[0077] In some examples, the chute portion comprises an (outwardly) tapered surface.

[0078]

[0078] The second frame 120 may be rotatably connected to the first frame 110 via a further hinge (not shown in FIG. 1). The further hinge may comprise one or more of the same features as the hinge 130. In some examples, the further hinge may comprise the same features as the hinge 130.

[0079]

[0079] The goal frame 110 may comprise a further lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 in the open configuration. The actuator 150 may be arranged to actuate the further lock mechanism (e.g., in addition to the lock mechanism). In some examples, the actuator 150 may be arranged to actuate the lockmechanism 140 and the further lock mechanism simultaneously. For example, the goal frame 100 may comprise a single actuator 150 arranged to actuate the lock mechanism 140 and the further lock mechanism simultaneously.

[0080]

[0080] FIGs 2A and 2B illustrate an upper perspective and a side view of an example goal frame 100 (e.g., an example of the goal frame 100 described in relation to FIG.1). FIGs 2A and 2B illustrate the goal frame 100 in the open configuration.

[0081]

[0081] The goal frame 100 comprises a first frame 110 and a second frame 120 rotatably connected via a hinge 130 and a further hinge 230. The first frame 110 comprises a crossbar 212 and first and second side members 214, 216. The second frame 120 comprises first and second side base members 224, 226 and a rear base member 222. The goal frame 100 comprises a net 210. The net 210 may be a mesh net.

[0082]

[0082] The goal frame 100 comprises an actuator 150. The actuator 150 is located at the first frame 110 such that the actuator 150 is operable by a user from a standing position. The actuator 150 is located at an upper portion of the first frame 110. As shown best in FIG. 2B, the actuator 150 is located at the rear of the crossbar 212.

[0083]

[0083] The goal frame 100 comprises a lock mechanism 140 (not shown in FIGs 2A and 2B). In this example, the lock mechanism is encapsulated (e.g., completely contained) within the goal frame 100. The goal frame 100 comprises a further lock mechanism (not shown in FIGs 2A and 2B). The actuator 150 comprises a handle and is arranged to actuate the lock mechanism 140 and the further lock mechanism simultaneously (e.g., by pulling the handle).

[0084]

[0084] FIGs 3A to 3H illustrate the goal frame 100 of FIGs 2A and 2B in which the net 210 has been removed for clarity purposes.

[0085]

[0085] FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate respective side and rear upper perspective views of the goal frame 100 in the open configuration. In use, a user may actuate the actuator 150 (e.g., by pulling the handle of the actuator 150). FIGs 3C and 3D illustrate respective side and rear upper perspective views of the goal frame 100 in which the actuator 150 is actuated (e.g., by a user pulling the handle). As best shown in FIG. 3C, pulling the handle may comprise pulling the handle away from the first frame 110.

[0086]

[0086] Once the actuator 150 is actuated (e.g., as in FIGs 3C and 3D), the lock mechanism 140 and the further lock mechanism may be unlocked such that the goal frame 100 may move (transition) from the open configuration to the closed configuration (e.g., by rotating the first frame 110 around the hinge 130 and the further hinge 230).

[0087] FIGs 3E and 3F illustrate respective side and rear upper perspective views of the goal frame 100 shown in FIGs 3A to 3D in which the goal frame 100 is between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In other words, the first frame 110 has rotated around the hinge 130 and the further hinge 230 such that the goal frame 100 is between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0087]

[0088] FIGs 3G and 3H illustrate respective side and rear upper perspective views of the goal frame 100 shown in FIGs 3A to 3F in which the goal frame 100 is in the closed configuration. Upon the actuator 150 no longer being actuated in the closed configuration, the lock mechanism 140 and the further lock mechanism are arranged to lock the goal frame 100 in the closed configuration (e.g., until (further) actuation of the actuator 150).

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge 130 (e.g., the hinge 130 and / or further hinge 230 as described in relation to FIG. 1 and / or FIGs 2A to 3H) of an example goal frame 100 (e.g., an example of the goal frame 100 described in relation to FIG. 1 and / or FIGs 2A to 3H) in which the locking member 440 is received in the female portion 432 of the anchor portion 430. FIG. 4B shows a magnified view of portion H of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A illustrates the hinge 130 in the open configuration (e.g., in the configuration shown in FIGs 3A and 3B).

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 4G illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hinge 130 of FIG. 4A in which the locking member 440 is not received in the female portion 432 of the anchor portion 430, and FIG. 4D shows a magnified view of portion G of FIG. 4C. FIG. 4C illustrates the hinge 130 in the open configuration in which the actuator 150 has been actuated (e.g., in the configuration shown in FIGs 3C and 3D).

[0090]

[0091] The lock mechanism 130 comprises a lock member 440. The lock member 440 comprises a first end 442 and a second end 444. The lock member 440 comprises a taper 442a at the first end 442.

[0091]

[0092] The lock member 440 comprises an actuator connector 444a at the second end 444. The actuator connecter 444a comprises a through hole (e.g., in the lock member 440) at the second end 444.

[0092]

[0093] The hinge 130 defines at least part of the lock mechanism 140. In other words, the hinge 130 comprises at least part of the lock mechanism 140.

[0093]

[0094] The hinge 130 comprises an anchor portion 430 and a first frame portion 410 rotatable relative to the anchor portion 430. The anchor portion 430 comprises a femaleportion 432 arranged to receive at least part of the lock member 440 in the open configuration. As shown best in FIG. 4A, the female portion 432 is receiving at least part of the lock member 440.

[0094]

[0095] The first end 442 is shaped to slide across the anchor portion 430 when the locking member 440 moves to and from the open configuration. The first end 442 is rounded.

[0095]

[0096] As best shown in FIG. 40, the female portion 432 comprises one or more vents 433A-C. The one or more vents 433A-C comprise one or more recesses defined by the female portion 432.

[0096]

[0097] The lock member 440 is resiliently biased to engage the female portion 432 of the anchor portion 430 when the goal frame 100 is in the open configuration. The lock member 440 is resiliently biased via one or more springs 450. As shown best in FIGs 4B and 4D, the first frame portion 410 of the hinge 130 comprises the one or more springs 450 (e.g., in a female portion arranged retain the one or more springs 450).

[0097]

[0098] The female portion of the first frame portion 410 is arranged to receive at least half of the lock member 440 when the actuator 150 is actuated.

[0098]

[0099] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example goal frame 100 in which the goal frame 100 is between the open configuration and the closed configuration (e.g., the goal frame 100 and configuration of the goal frame 100 shown in FIGs 3E and 3F).

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the example goal frame 100 shown in FIG. 5A in which the goal frame 100 is in the closed configuration (e.g., the configuration of the goal frame 100 shown in FIGs 3G and 3H).

[0100]

[0101] The portion of the goal frame 100 comprises the hinge 130 (as shown in FIGs 4A to 4D), a portion of the first frame 110, a portion of the second frame 120, and a portion of a connector member 510 (e.g., to connect the lock member 440 to the actuator 150).

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 5A shows the first frame portion 410 rotating around the anchor portion 430. When rotating around the anchor portion 430, the first end 442 of the lock member 440 may contact (directly contact) the anchor portion 430 as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 5B shows the first frame portion 410 rotated around the anchor portion 430 in the closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 5B, the lock member 440 is received in the lock member receiving portion 435 of the further female portion 434 of the anchor portion 430. The lock member 440 being received in the lock member receiving portion 435 (andnot in the chute portion 436) reduces the effect of any debris (e.g., 4G, 5G pitch granules) in the further female portion 434 from preventing the lock member 440 being received in the further female portion 434.

[0103]

[0104] FIG. 6 shows an example method 600 of using the goal frame 100 as described in relation to any of the embodiments above (e.g., FIGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and / or 5).

[0104]

[0105] At block 602, the method comprises rotating the second frame relative to the first frame via the hinge such that the first frame and the second frame are arranged in the open configuration.

[0105]

[0106] At block 604, the method comprises actuating the actuator to lock the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration.

[0106]

[0107] Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0107]

[0108] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0108]

[0109] Each feature disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0109]

[0110] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A goal frame for a football goal, the goal frame comprising:a first frame;a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame via a hinge;a lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in an open configuration in which the goal frame defines a goal; andwherein the first frame comprises an actuator arranged to actuate the lock mechanism.

2. The goal frame of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is defined at least in part by the hinge.

3. The goal frame of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge is fixedly connected to the second frame and the first frame.

4. The goal frame of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a lock member.

5. The goal frame of claim 4, wherein the lock member comprises a taper at a first end.

6. The goal frame of claim 4 or 5, wherein the hinge comprises an anchor portion and a first frame portion rotatable relative to the anchor portion, the anchor portion comprises a female portion arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the open configuration.

7. The goal frame of claim 6, wherein the first end is shaped to slide across the anchor portion when moving to and from the open configuration.

8. The goal frame of claim 7, wherein the first end is rounded.

9. The goal frame of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the lock member comprises an actuator connector at a second end.

10. The goal frame of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the female portion comprises one or more vents.

11. The goal frame of any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the lock member is resiliently biased to engage the female portion in the open configuration.

12. The goal frame of any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the first frame portion comprises a female portion arranged to receive at least half of the lock member when the actuator is actuated.

13. The goal frame of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is located at the first frame such that the actuator is operable by a user from a standing position.

14. The goal frame of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is located at an upper portion of the first frame, the upper portion comprising the portion of the first frame closer to a crossbar of the first frame than the hinge.

15. The goal frame of claim 14, wherein the actuator is located at the crossbar.

16. The goal frame of claim 15, wherein the actuator is located at the rear of the crossbar, the rear of the crossbar comprising a side of the crossbar opposite to a goal face defined by the goal frame.

17. The goal frame of any of claims 4 to 16, wherein the actuator is connected to the lock member via a connection member.

18. The goal frame of any of claims 6 to 17, wherein the hinge comprises a further female portion arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in a closed configuration.

19. The goal frame of claim 18, wherein the further female portion is arranged to receive at least part of the lock member in the closed configuration.

20. The goal frame of claim 19, wherein the further female portion comprises a lock member receiving portion and a chute portion, the chute portion arranged to allow debris to exit the further female portion.

21. The goal frame of claim 20, wherein the chute portion comprises an outwardly tapered surface.1622. The goal frame of any preceding claim, wherein the second frame is rotatably connected to the first frame via a further hinge.

23. The goal frame of claim 22, comprising a further lock mechanism arranged to lock the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration.

24. The goal frame of claim 23, wherein the actuator is arranged to actuate the further lock mechanism.

25. A method of using the goal frame according to any preceding claim, the method comprising:rotating the second frame relative to the first frame via the hinge such that the first frame and the second frame are arranged in the open configuration; andactuating the actuator to lock the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration.

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