SPORTS GOAL

Abstract

An exemplary sports goal includes two goalposts and a crossbar extending between upper portions of the two goalposts to define an opening. At least one of the crossbar and the two goalposts, and possibly each of the crossbar and the goalposts, has a facet that is oriented partially towards the opening. This promotes deflection of scoring objects through the opening. Scoring opportunities may be enhanced as a result. An alternative exemplary sports goal includes a crossbar and two uprights extending upwardly from ends of the crossbar to define a scoring area above the crossbar and between the uprights. At least one of the crossbar and the two uprights has a facet that is oriented partially towards the scoring area.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/092,499, filed Aug. 28, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to sports goals, such as hockey nets or soccer goals for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional sports goals, such as hockey nets and soccer goals, typically have two goalposts and a crossbar extending between upper portions of the goalposts. These structural members define an opening through which scoring objects, e.g. pucks or balls traveling along a playing surface such as an ice rink or grass playing field, may pass.

Sports goals are typically situated at the periphery of the playing surface, so that players may endeavor to score points by causing the scoring objects to pass through the opening.

It would be desirable to provide a sports goal in which scoring opportunities are enhanced.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an exemplary sports goal comprises two goalposts and a crossbar extending between upper portions of the two goalposts to define an opening. At least one of the crossbar and the two goalposts, and possibly each of the crossbar and the goalposts, has a facet that is oriented partially towards the opening. This promotes deflection of scoring objects through the opening (e.g. ricocheting of pucks off the facet into the goal) or towards an area immediately in front of the opening. Scoring opportunities may be enhanced as a result.

In another embodiment, an exemplary sports goal comprises two goalposts and a crossbar extending between upper portions of the two goalposts to define an opening below the crossbar and between the goalposts. At least one of the crossbar and the two goalposts has a non-cylindrical cross section oriented so as to promote deflection of scoring objects through the opening.

In another embodiment, an exemplary sports goal (as may be used for American or Canadian football for example) comprises a crossbar and two uprights extending upwardly from ends of the crossbar to define a scoring area above the crossbar and between the uprights. At least one of the crossbar and the two uprights, and possibly each of the crossbar and the two uprights, has a facet that is oriented partially towards the scoring area. This promotes deflection of scoring objects through the scoring area, e.g. when a football impacts upon one of the uprights or the crossbar during a field goal attempt.

In another embodiment, an exemplary sports goal comprises a crossbar and two uprights extending upwardly from ends of the crossbar to define a scoring area above the crossbar and between the uprights. At least one of the crossbar and the two goalposts has a non-cylindrical cross section oriented so as to promote deflection of scoring objects through the scoring area.

The invention will be understood more easily and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will become more clearly apparent in the course of the following explanatory description, which is given, without in any way implying a limitation, with reference to the attached Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of an exemplary sports goal;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing goalposts in cross section;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing a crossbar in cross section; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate use of a conventional sports goal and use of the sports goal of FIG. 1, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary sports goal 10 includes two goalposts 30, 40 and a crossbar 60. The goalposts 30, 40 have bases 32, 42 and upper portions 34, 44 (respectively). The crossbar 60 extends between upper portions 34, 44 of the goalposts 30, 40 (respectively) to define an opening 43 through which scoring objects may pass in order to score a point. In the present embodiment, the goalposts 30, 40 and crossbar 60 form three sides of a polygon, specifically a rectangle. It will be appreciated that three sides of a polygon are sufficient to define an opening, given that the playing surface (e.g. ice or grass) upon which the sports goal 10 is placed (not expressly shown) is understood to complete the polygon. The crossbar 60 has a first end 62 connected to upper portion 34 of goalpost 30 and a second end 64 connected to the upper portion 44 of goalpost 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary sports goal 10 is a hockey net. Accordingly, the illustrated sports goal 10 includes other structural members, such as members 66, 70 and 37, that collectively define, along with goalposts 30, 40 and crossbar 60, an overall frame 20 on which a net (not shown) can be connected to capture scoring objects, namely hockey pucks. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to hockey nets and that alternative embodiments may not have a frame 20 as shown in FIG. 1. In alternative embodiments, the frame may be differently shaped or may even be completely absent. For example, a soccer goal may consist only of two goalposts and a crossbar, with the bases of the goalposts being anchored (e.g. buried) within the playing surface. Different embodiments of the sports goal 10 may be used on different playing surfaces (e.g. grass, clay, turf, wood, polymer or water).

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, each of goalposts 30, 40 and crossbar 60 has a facet 31, 41 and 61 (respectively) that is oriented partially towards the opening 43, for promoting deflection of scoring objects through the opening 43. The facets 31, 41 and 61 are substantially flat surfaces. This is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of goalposts 30 and 40 from above the goal 10. The exemplary goalposts 30 and 40 are faceted tubes, wherein each cross section is in the shape of a section of a circle. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each circle section occupies more than half of the circle. Facet 31 faces a first direction D1 while facet 41 faces a second direction D2. Each facet is oriented partially towards the opening 43. In other words, a component of direction D1 is towards the opposing goalpost 40 and a component of direction D2 is towards the opposing goalpost 30.

A notional line L extends between goalposts 30 and 40 from the innermost edge of facet 31 to the innermost edge of facet 41. This line L may be envisioned as extending between the bases 32 and 42 (FIG. 1) of the goalposts along a playing surface upon which the sports goal 10 rests (e.g. it may form part of the goal line). As shown in FIG. 2, each facet 31 and 41 forms an angle θ of about 95 to about 150 degrees with notional line L at its innermost edge.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of crossbar 60, e.g. as viewed from the side of sports goal 10. The exemplary crossbar is also a faceted tube, with its cross section also being in the shape of a section of a circle, which, in the illustrated embodiment, occupies more than half of the circle. Facet 61 faces a direction D3 such that the facet 61 is oriented partially towards the opening 43. In other words, a component of direction D3 is downward. The facet 61 forms an angle a of about 5 to about 60 degrees with the horizontal at its lowermost edge.

FIG. 4A illustrates use of a conventional sports goal. FIG. 4A is included for the purpose of contrasting the use of the exemplary sports goal 10 of FIG. 1, which is illustrated in FIG. 4B.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a cross sectional view of goalposts 70 and 80 of a conventional sports goal is shown, e.g. as viewed from above. As illustrated, the goalposts 70 and 80 are tubular and have substantially circular cross sections. A notional line L (e.g. goal line) extends between the goalposts 70 and 80. When a scoring object 72 travelling in a first trajectory T1 impacts upon goalpost 70, it bounces away from the goalpost 70 along a trajectory T2 which is away from the line L between the goalposts. No goal is scored.

In contrast, with reference to FIG. 4B, when the same scoring object 72 travelling in the same trajectory T1 impacts upon facet 31 of goalpost 30 of FIG. 1, it is deflected in a different trajectory T2′ which is towards the opening 43 between the goalposts 30 and 40. In fact, because the object 72 crosses notional line L, a goal is scored. This illustrates the enhanced scoring opportunities that may result from the present embodiment in comparison to a conventional sports goal, which may serve to increase interest and excitement in a sporting contest. Even if the scoring object does not score a goal, it is likely to be deflected into an area or “slot” directly in front of the opening, creating excitement and focusing play within this area. The likelihood of a subsequent goal may be increased as a result, at least in comparison with conventional sports goals whose non-faceted (e.g. round) goalposts are more likely to deflect scoring objects outwardly and away from the goal scoring area.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. For example, although the above embodiment shows facets in both goalposts and in the crossbar, alternative embodiments may have facets in just the crossbar or in just the goalposts, or possibly even in just one goalpost (although this may result in undesirably asymmetric deflection on the right and left hand sides of the goal). Similarly, although the facets 31 and 41 are typically oriented symmetrically (in mirror image), this is not absolutely required.

Although goalposts 30, 40 and crossbar 60 are shown as faceted tubular members, they may alternatively be faceted solid members. Moreover, goalposts 30, 40 and crossbar 60 (whether tubular or solid) may have virtually any cross sectional shape, as long the shape incorporates a facet that is oriented partially towards the goal opening. It is also contemplated that the cross section of the goalposts 30, 40 can be the same or different than the cross section of the crossbar 60.

In another alternative, the facets 31, 41 and/or 61 could have radiused corners where the facet meets the remainder of the goalpost or crossbar. In some embodiments, the facets may have a slight curvature rather than being absolutely flat.

Although the illustrated sports goal 10 is a hockey net, it could alternatively be any goal for another type of sport, e.g. soccer, water polo, lacrosse, polo, field hockey or otherwise.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the sports goal 10 may be governed by regulations issued by a relevant governing body. For example, pursuant to the current National Hockey League (NHL) Rulebook, hockey goalposts are required to extend vertically 4 feet above the surface of the ice and to be set 6 feet apart measured from the inside of the goalposts. Moreover, the Rulebook requires the crossbar to be of the same material as the goalposts and to extend from the top of one post to the top of the other (NHL Rulebook, Rule 3(b)). Further, the Rulebook requires the net to be attached to the goal frame and to be made of a white nylon cord which shall be draped in such a manner as to prevent the puck coming to rest on the outside of it yet strung in a manner that will keep the puck in the net (NHL Rulebook, Rule 3(c)). Thus, a traditional hockey net sports goal as used in the NHL is in the form of a rectangle having a 4 foot height and 6 foot length, wherein the goalposts and the crossbar intersect at right angles at the upper two vertices of the rectangle. Lower or bottom ends of the goalposts would be spaced 6 feet apart and extend upwardly (perpendicularly) from the surface of the ice. It is understood that these requirements do not necessarily apply to all sports goal embodiments however.

In another embodiment, an exemplary sports goal, as may be used for American or Canadian football for example, comprises a crossbar and two uprights extending upwardly from ends of the crossbar to define a scoring area above the crossbar and between the uprights. At least one of the crossbar and the two uprights, and possibly each of the crossbar and the two uprights, has a facet that is oriented partially towards the scoring area. This promotes deflection of scoring objects (e.g. footballs) through the scoring area, e.g. when a football impacts upon one of the uprights or the crossbar during a field goal attempt. In such an embodiment, the angle of facets in the uprights may be similar to the angle of the facets in the goalposts shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the angle of a facet in the crossbar may be similar to the angle of the facet shown in FIG. 3, except that the approximately 5 to 60 degree angle between the facet and the horizontal would be at the uppermost (not lowermost) edge of the facet. This is in view of the intended upwards (not downward) deflection for a crossbar used in a football goal versus a crossbar used in, say, a hockey or soccer goal.

While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sports goal comprising:

two goalposts; and

a crossbar extending between upper portions of said two goalposts to define an opening, at least one of said crossbar and said two goalposts having a facet that is oriented partially towards said opening for promoting deflection of scoring objects through said opening or towards an area immediately in front of said opening.

2. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein said facet is in either or both of said two goalposts and forms an angle of about 95 to about 150 degrees with a notional line extending from an innermost edge of said facet to the opposing goalpost.

3. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein said facet is in said crossbar and forms an angle of about 5 to about 60 degrees with the horizontal at its lowermost edge.

4. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein each of said crossbar and said two goalposts has said facet.

5. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein said sports goal comprises a hockey net and wherein said scoring objects comprise hockey pucks.

6. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein said sports goal comprises a soccer goal and wherein said scoring objects comprise soccer balls.

7. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein either or both of said crossbar and said pair of goalposts is a faceted tube or faceted solid member.

8. The sports goal of claim 7 wherein a cross sectional shape of said faceted tube or said faceted solid member is a circle section occupying more than half of the circle.

9. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein said facet is substantially flat.

10. A sports goal comprising:

a crossbar; and

two uprights extending upwardly from ends of said crossbar to define a scoring area above the crossbar and between the uprights, at least one of said crossbar and said two uprights having a facet that is oriented partially towards said scoring area for promoting deflection of scoring objects through said scoring area.

11. The sports goal of claim 10 wherein said facet is in either or both of said two uprights and forms an angle of about 95 to about 150 degrees with a notional line extending from an innermost edge of said facet to the opposing upright.

12. The sports goal of claim 10 wherein said facet is in said crossbar and forms an angle of about 5 to about 60 degrees with the horizontal at its uppermost edge.

13. The sports goal of claim 10 wherein each of said crossbar and said two uprights has said facet.

14. The sports goal of claim 10 wherein said scoring objects are footballs.

15. The sports goal of claim 10 wherein said facet is substantially flat.

16. A sports goal comprising:

two goalposts; and

a crossbar extending between upper portions of said two goalposts to define an opening below the crossbar and between the goalposts, at least one of said crossbar and said two goalposts having a non-cylindrical cross section oriented so as to promote deflection of scoring objects through said opening.

17. The sports goal of claim 16 wherein said non-cylindrical cross section comprises a facet that is oriented partially towards said opening.

18. The sports goal of claim 17 wherein said facet is slightly curved.

19. A sports goal comprising:

a crossbar; and

two uprights extending upwardly from ends of said crossbar to define a scoring area above the crossbar and between the uprights, at least one of said crossbar and said two goalposts having a non-cylindrical cross section oriented so as to promote deflection of scoring objects through said scoring area.

20. The sports goal of claim 19 wherein said non-cylindrical cross section comprises a facet that is oriented partially towards said scoring area.

21. The sports goal of claim 20 wherein said facet is slightly curved.