Collapsible frame assembly for supporting netting

Abstract

A frame supporting netting for sports play. The frame has a base frame selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends thereof. An elbow portion rotatably connects to each end. A front frame has first and second ends that also rotatably connected to the elbow portions, wherein, to collapse the unitary frame, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat. The frame may include a pitchback assembly for selectively converting the frame into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering other uses. The pitchback assembly has a sleeve for securing to a first portion of the frame, an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the frame, and a net secured to the sleeve and the anchor assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200420020473.X, filed Feb. 27, 2004 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to sports goal and pitchback assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to collapsible frame assemblies that form a play position for use as a sports goal and/or pitchback, and a substantially flat, collapsed position to permit easy transfer and storage.

2. Background Information

Collapsible sports goals are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,375 to Moosavi (“the '375 patent”) shows an adjustable soccer goal with a net. The '375 patent shows interior tubes 35 connected within members 14-20, 34 for allowing telescoping that changes the size of the soccer goal when in use. Thumb screws fix the relationship between the members 14-20, 34 and interior tubes 35. Connectors 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32 frictionally interconnects the members 14-20, 34. The soccer goal of the '375 patent can be disassembled for storage by removing the members 14-20, 34 from the connectors 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32.

For additional examples, U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,045 to Liao, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,195 to John, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,957 to Schmidt disclose collapsible sports goals. Each of these patents utilize a complex coupling mechanism to allow folding or separation of the differenct components. For still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,279 to the same inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses several collapsible sports goal assemblies with pivot joints for coupling frame members. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,279 does not disclose joints with rotational capability that allow quick and easy folding of the goal frame.

One drawback associated with the prior art goal frame assemblies is the inability to fold the frame for transport without removing components. Another drawback is the cumbersome nature of the connectors that detracts from the uniform shape of the frame in the goal opening, and adds to the expense and complexity of the assembly. Still another drawback is the difficulty in securing the net to the frame during use and transport. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art.

Similarly, prior art pitchbacks have been unable to be utilized for a variety of purposes because of the difficulty in storing and transporting such pitchbacks. In view of this shortcoming, a pitchback that easily folds for transport and storage would be an improvement over the prior art. Moreover, prior art pitchbacks are limited to a sole purpose. Alternative uses, such as a goal, are not convenient because adjustment from one configuration to another requires inconvenient reinstallation of the netting or the pitchback configuration is ill-suited for the additional application. Thus, there is a need for a pitchback that can serve as a goal, and change in size and configuration for a variety of applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a collapsible sports goal assembly including a base frame having a first, second, third and fourth end, wherein third and fourth ends removably connect. A front frame is supported upright by the base frame, the front frame being coupled to the first and second ends of the base frame. Coupling means allow the first and second ends of the base frame to rotate in two directions so that the sports goal assembly can be substantially flattened for storage and transport when the third and fourth ends are separated. A net attaches to the base frame and the front frame for retaining objects.

In another embodiment, a frame for supporting a sports net includes a base frame for resting on a play surface having first and second ends. The base frame is selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends. A first elbow portion rotatably connects to the first end, and a second elbow portion rotatably connects to the second end. A front frame has first and second ends that rotatably connect to the elbow portions, wherein, in the play position, the front frame is rigidly supported substanitally perpendicularly to the play surface by the base frame, and, to collapse the unitary frame for transport or storage, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat.

The frame further includes a releasable coupling at a point within the front frame to thereby allow further folding of the frame. Preferably, an elastic rope links the resulting portions together. The frame may also include a pitchback assembly for selectively converting the front frame portion into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering use as a goal. The pitchback assembly includes a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a first portion of the goal, an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the open goal, and a net having one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor assembly.

It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition with a net attached thereto.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1 in a transitional position between the assembled and storgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1 in a storage/transport condition.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a preferred connection assembly for the intermediate point of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a preferred elbow portion for use with the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly of the present disclosure in the play position.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 5 in a partially disassembled condition.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 5 in a partially disassembled condition.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 5 in the transport/storage position.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are detailed views of the portion shown in circle A of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are detailed views of the portion shown in circle B of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly with optional pitchback of the present disclosure in the play position.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 11 with the optional pitchback in the pitchback position.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a preferred anchor assembly for the optional pitchback of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a preferred end cap for the anchor assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end cap of FIG. 14 attached to a goal frame.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the goal assembly of FIG. 11 with the optional pitchback partially assembled and an optional shelf assembly thereon.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the assembled and storgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 19 is another rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the assembled and storgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 20 is still another rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the assembled and storgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 17 in a storage/transport condition.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another collapsible frame assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with frames for netting. The advantages, and other features of the frames and netting disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a collapsible sports goal assembly 10 of the present disclosure comprises an upright front frame 14 supported by a base frame 12. When in use as a sports goal, the base frame 12 typically rests on the surface of play and the front frame 14 is oriented in a position approximately perpendicular to the base frame 12 such that the front frame 14 extends upwardly from the surface of play to form the goal periphery. As described further below, the respective frames 12, 14 are pivotally connected to each other such that the assembly 10 can be oriented in the assembled play position as shown in FIG. 1, or in a collapsed and relatively flat position for transport and storage, as shown in FIG. 3.

Front end portions 40, 42 of the base frame 12 are connected to the front frame 14 by elbow portions 26 that allow for limited rotation. The base frame 12 also can be separated at a point 30 intermediate the back portions 44, 46. Preferably, a net 34 secures to the frames 12, 14 by sleeves 36. The sleeves 36 of the net 34 are configured to form gaps 39 therebetween near the elbow portions 26 and intermediate point 30. These gaps 39 allow maintaiing the net 34 in place during folding and assembling of the sports goal assembly 10. The net 34 further includes a strap 37 to further secure the net 34 to the frame 12. In a preferred embodiment, screws (not shown) are threaded into the bottom of the base frame 12 at the gaps 39 in order to form protective feet that prevent premature wear of the sleeves 36. It is envisioned that the frames and leg assemblies can be made of any of numerous different materials, including, for example, metal and/or plastic, and can define any of numerous different cross-sectional shapes and configurations, or other shapes and configurations.

Referring to FIG. 4A, in a preferred embodiment, the intermediate point 30 consists of a female end 27 and a male end 29 that couple together by friction. A hole 31 formed in the female end 27 receives a spring-loaded locking pin 33 on the male end 29 to further secure the ends 27, 29 together.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an exemplary elbow portion 26 is shown in an exploded view with a front end portion 40 of the base frame 12 and an end of the front frame 14. The end of the front end portion 40 and end of the front frame 14 include a spring-loaded locking pin 50. The end of the front end portion 40 and end of the front frame 14 are sized and configured to insert within the respective ends of the elbow portion 26 when the respective locking pin 50 is depressed. Slots 52 formed in the respective ends of the elbow portion 26 receive the locking pin 50 to retain the frames 12, 14 to the elbow portion 26. Although the elbow portion 26 is secured to the frames 12, 14, the elbow portion 26 is allowed to rotate in a limited manner with respect thereto because of the elongated nature of the slots 52.

Referring to FIG. 2, to transport or store the goal assembly 10, the base frame 12 can be separated at the intermediate point 30. The back portions 44, 46 of the base frame 12 can be rotated upward along arrows A in relation to the front frame 14 such that the back portions 44, 46 are approximately perpendicular to each other. The front portions 40, 42 can be rotated along arrows B until the goal assembly is substantially flat, as shown in FIG. 3. To reassembly, the goal assembly 10 for play, these steps are reversed.

As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the elbow portions employed in the sports goal assembly 10 of the present disclosure may take any of numerous different shapes, configurations, and/or types of such members that are currently or later become known for performing the functions of the elbow portions described herein. For example, the elbow portions may take the form of the male end forming the slot, the slot may be a series of locking holes, and like variations without departing from the spirit or the scope of the subject inventive subject matter.

Turning to FIGS. 5 through 10B, another embodiment of a collapsible sports goal assembly of the present disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. The collapsible sports goal assembly 110 is similar to the collapsible sports goal assembly 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. As can be seen, a primary difference of the collapsible sports goal assembly 110 is addition of a top frame assembly 116 that provides head and/or shoulder room for a player positioned within the opening of the goal, such as a goalie. Referring to FIG. 5, in the play position, the top frame assembly 116 includes a shelf 122 connected to the upright front frame 114 and supported by a leg 124.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 9A and 9B, a bottom end 150 of the leg 124 forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frame 112 at the intermediate point 130. In the play position, a locking pin 152 on the base frame 112 engages a hole 154 formed in the base frame 112 to secure the intermediate point 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, 10A and 10B, the shelf 122 can be rotated in relation to the front frame 114 from an approximately perpendicular play position, as shown in FIG. 5, to a collapsed position as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, the shelf 122 is integral with a portion of the front frame 114 to form a rectangle shape with depending ends 158. The depending ends 158 are a reduced diameter for sliding within the respective portion of the front frame 114. A pair of opposing spring-loaded locking pins 160 on each depending end 158 couple within holes 162 formed in the respective portion of the front frame 114 to fix the shelf 122 thereto in the play position. Preferably, a top end 156 of the leg 124 also forms a sleeve for sliding over the shelf 122. Thus, the leg 124 may be moved along the axis of the respective portions of the shelf 122 and base frame 112.

In another embodiment, the bottom end 150 of the leg 124 and the portions of the shelf 122 that engage the front frame 114 form c-shaped ends for frictionally linking onto the base frame 112. As a result, the shelf 122 and leg 124 can be quickly and easily removed altogether without disassembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, a rough sequence of steps to convert the goal assembly 110 from the play position to the transport/storage position is illustrated. Initially, the base frame 112 is separated at the intermediate point 130 by depressing the locking pin 152. This separation allows sliding the bottom end 150 of the leg 124 from the base frame as shown in FIG. 6. Depressing the locking pins 162 on the front frame 114 allows the shelf 122, and therewith the leg 124, to rotate substantially parallel to the front frame 114 as shown in FIG. 7. At this point, the base frame 112 is collapsed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to goal assembly 10 to achieve the substantially flat transport/storage position as shown in FIG. 8.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the collapsible sports goal assembly of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 210. The sports goal assembly 210 is substantially similar to the sports goal assembly 10 described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numerals “2” are used to indicate like elements. A primary difference of the sports goal assembly 210 is that a pitchback assembly 270 converts the perimeter of the goal 210 into a pitchback as can be seen in FIG. 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the pitchback assembly 270 is integral with the net assembly 234 without encumbering use of the goal assembly 210 as shown in FIG. 11. A fabric sleeve 235 formed in the net assembly 234 houses the pitchback assembly 270. Preferably, the fabric sleeve 235 includes a hook and loop fabric closure (not shown) for easily enveloping and releasing the pitchback assembly 270. Further, the pitchback assembly 210 does not encumber placing the goal assembly 210 in the transport/storage position.

In another embodiment, the pitchback assembly 270 can be separated from the net 234 for removal. In the pitchback position, as shown in FIG. 12, the pitchback assembly 270 includes a net 272 extending across the opening of the goal assembly 210. The net 272 is secured at the top to the front frame 214 and at the bottom to an anchor assembly 274. The net 272 also includes a target ribbon 275 that can be selectively positioned and shaped thereon. The anchor assembly 274 secures the net 272 to the bottom of the front frame 214 at the elbow portions 226.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the anchor assembly 274 includes a tubular portion 276 extending along the play surface between the bottom ends of the front frame 214. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular portion 276 is composed of several telescoping portions 278 so that a length thereof can be selectively varied. The net 272 forms a loops, a sleeve or the like for sliding over the tubular portion 276. A pair of end caps 280 couple each end of the tubular portion 276 to the respective bottom end 292 of the front frame 214.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each end cap 280 includes a sleeve portion 286 connected to a collar portion 288. The sleeve portion 286 includes a pair of opposing spring loaded locking pins 282 for releasably engaging holes 284 formed in the tubular portion 276 of the anchor assembly 274. In a preferred embodiment, the collar portion 288 couples to the sleeve portion 286 by a friction fit. In another embodiment, the end cap 280 is monolithic.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the collar portion 288 forms a channel 290 for receiving the bottom end 292 of the front frame 214. Preferably, the bottom end 292 of the front frame 214 is an open-ended structure for mating with the channel 290. A distal end 294 of the end cap 280 extends into the bottom end 292 such that the tubular portion 276 becomes secured across the bottom of the front frame 214.

Referring now to FIG. 16, to place the pitchback assembly 270 in the storage position of FIG. 11, the end caps 280 are removed from the bottom ends 292 of the front frame 214. The tubular portion 276 is rolled along arrow C to wrap the net 272 thereabout. As the net 272 wraps about the tubular portion 276, the tubular portion 276 moves along arrow D until approximately adjacent the top of the front frame 214. The tubular portion 276 is telescoped to become approximately the same length as the fabric sleeve 235 for enclosure therein. To return the pitchback assembly 270 to the pitchback position, the fabric sleeve 235 is opened to release the tubular portion 276. The net 272 is unraveled from the tubular portion 276, the tubular portion is extended and engaed to the front frame 214.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a pitchback goal combination frame constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure is referred to generally by the reference numeral 310. The frame 310 is similar to the assemblies 10, 110, 210 described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numerals “3” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible to simplify the following description. A primary difference is that the frame 310 is intended to serve mainly as a pitchback but also converts to a goal assembly and folds substantially flatly and compactly for transport and storage.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame 310 includes an upright front frame 314 supported by a base frame 312. The frame 310 also includes an optional anchor assembly 374 extending along the play surface between the ends of the front frame 314. For additional support of the front frame 314, optional legs 317 extend between the front frame 314 and the base frame 312.

Referring to FIGS. 18 through 21, the sequnce for collapsing the frame 310 for storage and transport is shown. The base frame 312 and the front frame 314 can be separated at intermediate points 330. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate points 330 consist of a female and male end that are held together by a hole and locking pin in combination as shown above with respect to FIG. 4A. The base frame 312 is folded in a similar manner to that as described above. However, the front frame 314 can also be reduced in size because of the intermediate point 330 therein. Preferably, an elastic rope 337 is secured within the front frame 314 for linking the resulting collapsed portions of the frame 310. To reassemble, the goal assembly 10 for play, these steps are reversed.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a pitchback goal combination frame constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown in the extended position and referred to generally by the reference numeral 410. The frame 410 is similar to the assemblies 10, 110, 210, 310 described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numerals “4” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible to simplify the following description. A primary difference is that the frame 410 includes reinforced netting and the ability to telescope in size.

In a preferred embodiment, a net assembly 434 stretches across the opening of the frame 410. The net assembly 434 includes a target ribbon 475 and reinforcement bands 477. Preferably, a plurality of reinforcement bands 477 provide the net assembly with an elastic ability for improving ball return performance and allowing variation of the size of the net assembly 434. The frame 410 also includes a front frame 414, bottom frame 412 and anchor portion 474 that telescope to allow for expansion and contraction of the size of the opening of the frame 410.

Each embodiments described herein may each include various other features shown on another embodiment herein in order to further incorporate the functional advantages of the respective feature. For example, the interconnections of various tubular components may take any of numerous different shapes or configurations, and may be replaced by any of numerous other fastening mechanisms for performing the functions described herein. Each frame member can be formed as a single piece, or from more than two pieces. In addition, the locking members and rotating links can be any of numerous different mechanisms or devices which are currently known, or later become known for performing one or more of the functions of either of these components described herein. As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible sports goal assembly comprising:

a) a base frame having a first, second, third and fourth end, wherein third and fourth ends removably connect;

b) a front frame supported upright by the base frame, the front frame being coupled to the first and second ends;

c) means for allowing the first and second ends of the base frame to rotate in two directions so that the sports goal assembly can be substantially flattened for storage and transport when the third and fourth ends are separated; and

d) a net attached to the base frame and the front frame for retaining objects.

2. A collapsible sports goal assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising protective feet mounted on the base frame.

3. A frame for supporting a sports net comprising:

a) a base frame for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, the base frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends;

b) a first elbow portion rotatably connected to the first end;

c) a second elbow portion rotatably connected to the second end; and

d) a front frame having first and second ends, each end of the front frame also rotatably connected to the elbow portions;

wherein, in the play position, the front frame is rigidly supported substanitally perpendicularly to the play surface by the base frame, and, to collapse the unitary frame for transport or storage, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat.

4. A frame as recited in claim 3, further comprising:

a shelf connected to the front frame; and

a leg extending between the shelf and base frame for supporting the shelf.

5. A frame as recited in claim 3, wherein a bottom end of the leg forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frame approximately at the intermediate point and a top end of the leg forms a sleeve for sliding over the shelf.

6. A frame as recited in claim 3, further comprising a pair of opposing spring-loaded locking pins on the shelf for coupling the shelf to the front frame.

7. A frame as recited in claim 3, wherein the front frame is selectively coupled at an intermediate point.

8. A frame as recited in claim 7, further comprising an elastic rope secured within the front frame.

9. An assembly for selectively converting an open goal into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering use as the open goal, the assembly comprising:

a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a first portion of the open goal;

an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the open goal; and

a net having one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor assembly.

10. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the fabric sleeve includes a closure for easily enveloping and releasing the assembly.

11. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the first portion is a top portion and the second portion is a bottom portion.

12. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the anchor assembly includes a telescoping tubular portion and a pair of end caps for releasably coupling the anchor assembly to the open goal.

13. An assembly for use as an open goal and a pitchback, the assembly comprising:

an open goal;

a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a first portion of the open goal;

an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the open goal; and

a net having one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor assembly.

14. An assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the open goal includes

a base frame for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, the base frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends,

a first elbow portion rotatably connected to the first end,

a second elbow portion rotatably connected to the second end, and

a front frame having first and second ends, each end of the front frame also rotatably connected to the elbow portions.

15. An assembly as recited in claim 14, further comprising a goal net draped about the open goal for capturing balls, the goal net having a plurality of sleeves for sliding about the base frame and the front frame, the sleeves forming an gap approximately about the intermediate point.

16. An assembly as recited in claim 14, further comprising a target ribbon secured that can be selectively positioned and shaped thereon.

17. An assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the anchor assembly, the base frame and the front frame telescope.

18. An assembly as recited in claim 17, further comprising reinforcement bands within the net for allowing expansion thereof.