Abstract: A game goal includes a net and a support frame by which the net is supported. The support frame is articulated to collapse into a storage-ready state and expand into a play-ready state. The support frame is further selectively retained in the game-ready state by a snap fit on each of opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: A game goal includes a net and a support frame by which the net is supported. The support frame is articulated to collapse into a storage-ready state and expand into a play-ready state. The support frame is further selectively retained in the game-ready state by a snap fit on each of opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: Joint assemblies for collapsible structures include a mating member and a receiving member connected together by a flexible member. The receiving member includes a socket section having a lumen with an internal surface and a longitudinal slot. The mating member includes a tip section that, at a first end thereof, has a non-circular cross-section that provides at least two points of contact with the internal surface of the socket section when the tip section is positioned within the lumen of the socket section. The joint assemblies include a slider that has an internal diameter that varies along the length of the slider to retain the tip section of the mating member within the lumen of the receiving member.

Abstract: Collapsible structures, joint assemblies for collapsible structures and methods of collapsing and assembling structures are provided. The collapsible structures can be sporting goals for a variety of sports, including soccer, futsal, hockey, street hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse. Collapsible structures according to the present invention can be temporary or long-term housing structures, tents, scaffolding, or any other structure where a collapsible feature is desirable. The joint assemblies include a mating member and a receiving member. The socket section has an internal surface and includes a longitudinal slot. The joint assembly also includes a flexible member coupled to the receiving member and to the first end of the mating member. The first end of the tip section has a non-circular cross-section that provides at least two points of contact with the internal surface of the socket section when the tip section is positioned within the lumen of the socket section.

Abstract: A mechanical joint is formed from a hollow structure of material that can be shaped so that bringing opposite sides of the external walls forming the hollow together forms a socket. For example, by compressing together opposite external sides of a hollow structure, such as a tube, a socket with a continuous double wall is formed. The socket is configured to provide a snap fit with a moveable member. A flexible member is positioned in the socket and attached to the moveable member, so that the moveable member can be controlled for placement in an out of the socket. The flexible member may also twist to permit the moveable member to be located in any position necessary to allow the moveable member to be engaged in the socket or disengaged from the socket, reducing the need for precise component tolerances. The joint is useful in structures that have multiple configurations.

Abstract: A mechanical joint is formed from a hollow structure of material that can be shaped so that bringing opposite sides of the external walls forming the hollow together forms a socket. For example, by compressing together opposite external sides of a hollow structure, such as a tube, a socket with a continuous double wall is formed. The socket is configured to provide a snap fit with a moveable member. A flexible member is positioned in the socket and attached to the moveable member, so that the moveable member can be controlled for placement in an out of the socket. The flexible member may also twist to permit the moveable member to be located in any position necessary to allow the moveable member to be engaged in the socket or disengaged from the socket, reducing the need for precise component tolerances. The joint is useful in structures that have multiple configurations.

Abstract: A link which facilitates forming a collapsible structure which has a shell at least one attachable portion and at least one socket portion. The socket portion has a flexible, preferably twistable, member which connects to a frame member. The frame member moves into and out of the socket portion of the shell to erect and collapse the structure. The walls of the socket portion may be formed a constant distance apart for at least a portion of the circumference of the shell to permit fabricating the shell from non-resilient material. Caps, detents and protrusions can be used to secure the member to the shell in the erect position by positioning the socket and attachable portions at desired angular relationships and placing the socket portions at any desired position in the circumference of the shell, virtually any collapsible structure can be configured.

Abstract: A joint having a socket portion facilitates forming a collapsible structure. The joints can be formed as corner joints or straight joints and any number of members may be connected to the joints. The socket portion of the joint accommodates a movable member which has multiple degrees of motion. The movable member is connected with a threaded or otherwise twistable connection to the rod of a heim joint which rotates on a roll pin. The movable portion moves in and out of the socket portion to erect and collapse the structure. Frame members are attached to the fixed and movable portions of the joint. A cover plate on the joint assists in aligning the movable portion into the proper position so that the erect structure is stable.

Abstract: A collapsible game goal, such as for lacrosse, has joints at the intersections of the uprights with the crossbar and the lower frame members. The net is configured such that a portion of the net is installed inside the frame members. The goal can therefore be easily collapsed, such as for transport to a different location. The goal can then be easily put in place, by unfolding the frame members.