Apertured Or Pocketed Goal Or Target (e.g., For Hockey, Soccer, Polo, Lacrosse, Etc.) Patents (Class 473/478)
  • Patent number: 7775916
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for joining tubes in a structure. The system includes hollow tubes and pressure assemblies. The tubes have tool holes spaced from the ends which are to be joined together. The pressure assemblies include members which can be spread apart by threaded inserts threaded into one of the members. The threaded inserts are spaced to correspond to the spacing between the tool holes as occurs when the tube ends are placed together. Accordingly, a pressure assembly can be inserted into adjacent tube ends and then expanded with sufficient expanding force for joining the tube ends in a rigid, strong joint. The system of the present invention may be used to make highly versatile and portable structures such as soccer goals, American football uprights and basketball goals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Henry Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20100184538
    Abstract: A game goal according to the invention, such as a soccer goal, collapses both vertically and laterally. The goal includes joints and brackets which facilitate the collapse of the goal such that the during vertical collapse, the forward uprights of the goal fold below the goal's lower rear support members, enhancing the goals transportability. The goal includes stabilizing arms and corresponding receptacles to stabilize the goal in the collapsed position. The goal also has a resistive element which prevents the goal from collapsing too quickly. The goal further incorporates a rotating joint in a top corner bracket which provides an interference fit with a slot in the top corner bracket and a notch in the upright, thereby providing stability when the goal is in the upright or open position for use. Lateral stability of the goal under the weight of a net is enhanced by angle brackets at the ground level of the goal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Francis Reeves
  • Publication number: 20100179006
    Abstract: This invention concerns a goal as used in installations intended for predetermined sports, such as soccer, seven-a-side football, five-a-side football, handball or other similar sports, wherein the goals are generally formed by two vertical side posts and upper horizontal crossbar; said goals have been designed in such a way as to safeguard the physical integrity and protection of sports persons from possible injuries, while at the same time ensuring generation of a standardized rebound. Both the side posts and the crossbar of the goal comprise a rigid core of metal, wood or similar, of variable configuration in transverse cross-section, surrounded by a spongy cellular covering based on epdm, and the latter covered in turn by an external layer of polyethylene coated with polyurethane paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Felipe Mora Vera, Jose Rafael Vizcaino Cambra
  • Patent number: 7744089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball practice device, which comprises a frame, a net, a base bracket and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is interposed between the frame and the base bracket, and is configured for supporting the frame together with the base bracket. The net is attached to the frame and is connected to the frame by a connecting member which the net can be disassembled from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Husheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7731610
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose sectional sports apparatus. The sports apparatus includes a plurality of assembling poles each including a main pole and a sub pole, a connector, and a supporting unit. The main pole has an insertion bore, an L-shaped lower fixture and a plurality of main coupling holes in an upper portion thereof. The sub pole is inserted into the main pole and has a plurality of lower height-adjusting holes and a plurality of upper sub coupling holes. The sub pole is movable up and down to have an adjustable height relative to the main pole as a fastener is fastened through selected ones of the height-adjusting holes and main coupling holes. The connector includes a branched body having a plurality of insertion branches for connection of the assembling poles, each insertion branch having an opening and an insertion bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jeong-Hun Im
  • Publication number: 20100120557
    Abstract: A rebounder for use with a sport goal that receives a scoring object. The sport goal includes a goal frame having a left upright member, a right upright member and a crossbar extending between the left upright member and the right upright member. The goal frame further includes an open area for receiving a scoring object. The rebounder includes a rebound member for returning a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impacts the rebound member. The rebound member has a tension member. The tension member is configured to return a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impacts the tension member. The rebound member further includes at least one connector for connecting the rebound member to the sports goal such that the position of the rebound member relative to the sports goal can be adjusted while the rebound member is attached to the sports goal. Preferably, the rebounder can be readily collapsed and moved to a storage position while connected to the sport goal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Kent Randall Klein, Neil Elmoe Brown
  • Publication number: 20100081513
    Abstract: A target is provided for hitting or throwing balls and other objects for sport practice sessions or games. The target includes a plurality of foldable arms with a connected net which can be moved between open and closed positions by pulling and pushing a handle connected to the arms. In the open position, the target forms an inverted umbrella. A front face is attached to the net and has a plurality of openings through which the balls or objects can pass forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: PRO PERFORMANCE SPORTS
    Inventor: RICHARD T. LA POINTE
  • Patent number: 7686712
    Abstract: A temporary sunshade for a soccer goal which has a net and a goal frame for supporting the net in an outstretched configuration, the outstretched net having contiguous generally planar net surfaces including a horizontal top panel, upright end panels, and a sloping back panel. The sunshade preferably includes a removable flexible sunscreen connectable atop preferably all of the outstretched net as a sunshade for players during periods of soccer play inactivity. The sunscreen includes an airflow opening in a back panel thereof which permits moving air to flow there through for cooling players within the goal space of the soccer goal while remaining shaded. In one aspect, the opening may be an elongated slit formed along a substantial length of the back panel of said sunscreen. In another aspect, the opening may be a plurality of spaced U-shaped cuts through the back panel of the sunscreen each defining a flap movable by air movement thereagainst which produces an opening to permit air to flow there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Sifrit
  • Publication number: 20100069178
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to stop and/or return shots for use with a sports goal net having a goal frame with a pair of posts and a cross bar connected to one end of each of pair of posts. The pair of posts and top cross bar defining a goal opening. The apparatus includes a first side deflector, shaped to cover part of the goal opening, and connected to one of the pair of posts by a first connector means adapted to permit the first side deflector to rotate about the post from a first closed position in front of the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post. A second side deflector, shaped to cover the remaining part of the goal opening, is connected to the other of said pair of posts by second connector means adapted to permit the second side deflector to rotate about the post from a first closed position in front of the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Target Master Net Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Plut, Diana Deley
  • Publication number: 20100048299
    Abstract: A net or barrier has strategically located pocket(s) attached to the net over holes(s) in the net/barrier in order to catch a ball or projectile that passes through the hole(s). A computer-assisted method displays information, more particularly advertisement, onto a net or barrier. The computer-assisted display is viewable by a TV or video audience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: DAVID W. GUTHRIE, George BAUMGARDNER
  • Patent number: 7666109
    Abstract: The present invention is a sports support structure with an integrated pad. By ensuring that the protective pad is integrated with the structure, the present invention ensures theft padding is properly located around the support structure. The integrated pad and sports structure may be raised and lowered to a desired height with a handle attached to an elevator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Russell Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald A. White
  • Publication number: 20100022333
    Abstract: The Present invention is a portable apparatus for use in practice drills and educational settings which returns soccer balls to a kicker in a controlled manner. The invention utilizes an upwardly inclined net which directs a ball upwards into an energy absorbing pocket rather than immediately rebounding the ball back to the kicker. The pocket then absorbs the energy of the ball and then sends the ball back down to the kicker in a controlled manner. The goal of the invention is to increase the user's accuracy and to allow for increased amounts of kicks as the controlled return allows for less reset time between kicks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ray Gaudin, Josh Gaudin
  • Patent number: 7611148
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a plurality of struts interconnected to form nodes, with netting optionally attached thereto. The struts comprise: one or more struts defining a crossbar; two or more struts defining respective goal posts; a plurality of ground struts adapted to lie along the ground to define the bottoms of respective left and right sides and a rear of the goal; bracing struts interconnecting ground struts with the nodes at which crossbar struts and goal post struts are connected to form a corner of the goal; and struts defining one or more bracing structures interconnecting ground struts defining the rear of the goal with the crossbar at one or more points intermediate the length of the crossbar. The struts are formed of a tubular material adapted to be pneumatically filled from a pneumatic pump via one or more valves provided in the struts or in means connecting respective struts at the nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ready Set Goal Ltd
    Inventor: Tommy Caswell
  • Patent number: 7611427
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus provide multiple players with a unique competitive game. According to one implementation described herein, a game partition has opposing side edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Transparent or translucent partition material spans the area defined by these edges and includes at least one aperture sized to allow a game ball to pass through. The game partition may include numerous apertures of various shapes and sizes. The game partition may be utilized in conjunction with a trampoline or inflatable jumping device to provide teams of players to attempt to tag opposing players with balls thrown through the apertures in the game partition while maneuvering on the jumping surface. According to one implementation, points are scored and accumulated according to point values assigned to each aperture when a ball is thrown through an aperture and tags an opposing player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Cline
  • Publication number: 20090258735
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sports goal which telescopically collapses or expands in the vertical, horizontal, or longitudinal planes. Telescopic manipulation is facilitated via bearing systems on all telescoping components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Nash
  • Patent number: 7600759
    Abstract: A multi-sports ball return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball hit, kick, thrown or strike into it directly to a user and is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball return net system has a frame and a net mounted across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow and a lower U-shape channel or hammock. A ball propelled into the U-shape pillow drops down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Net Return, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Crawley, Matthew J. Crawley
  • Publication number: 20090227398
    Abstract: Methods are provided for at least two teams to play a game with a ball on a playing surface having a plurality of zones and at least two goals. Zones have distinct rules for handling passing, receiving, and shooting of a ball during a game. A goal provides two distinctly defined types of scoring zones through which to score the ball from within a peripheral line of the playing surface. One type of scoring zone is at least one open ring shaped opening, and the other is an arced rectangularly shaped opening. The ball may be scored through either of the scoring zones. Points are awarded differently for scoring in either of the two zones and for throwing or kicking the ball through the two zones. Ball comprises at least two panels having arms attached along a contiguous seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Kronum, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20090197709
    Abstract: A Soccer Goal Retainer including an enclosure buried in the ground. A bar is mounted in the enclosure and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The bar is located toward the front wall and base of the enclosure. A clamp plate is mounted on the bar by hand bolts which engage threaded openings on the bar. The clamp plate includes a lower member which is secured to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles remote from the lower member and away from the lower member. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member remote from the vertical member toward the lower member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Brian ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20090176604
    Abstract: A collapsible ball game basket comprising an entrance hoop and three or more legs, means for holding the legs together at a predetermined position on each leg, means for detachably connecting the upper end of each leg to said hoop and means for locating the lower end of each leg on a ground sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Baron Warren Redfern
    Inventor: Jonathan Harries
  • Publication number: 20090163304
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a plurality of struts interconnected to form nodes, with netting optionally attached thereto. The struts comprise: one or more struts defining a crossbar; two or more struts defining respective goal posts; a plurality of ground struts adapted to lie along the ground to define the bottoms of respective left and right sides and a rear of the goal; bracing struts interconnecting ground struts with the nodes at which crossbar struts and goal post struts are connected to form a corner of the goal; and struts defining one or more bracing structures interconnecting ground struts defining the rear of the goal with the crossbar at one or more points intermediate the length of the crossbar. The struts are formed of a tubular material adapted to be pneumatically filled from a pneumatic pump via one or more valves provided in the struts or in means connecting respective struts at the nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: READY SET GOAL LTD
    Inventor: Tommy Caswell
  • Patent number: 7543821
    Abstract: A ball returner for a sports goal includes a triangular frame substantially framing an elastic material, which may be taughtly extended there across. The frame may include two or three sides coupled together. Coupled to one corner of the frame is at least one stand portion extending at an angle thereto, such that, when the frame is placed on a flat surface, the corner has a higher elevation than the other two corners. All of the stand portions may be extendable for varying the angle of the corner relative to the flat surface. The ball returner may or may not be coupled to the sports goal and is lightweight and transportable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Winningham, Craig Herman
  • Publication number: 20090143175
    Abstract: The killer applications of golfrisbee are comprised of the golh club, golfrisbee disc and golfrisbee basket, golfrisbee target, grenade, water golh gun club, etc. Swiveling the golh club, the flying object such as golfrisbee disk is thrown to fly into the golfrisbee basket. The golfrisbee basket has either the wind-bell-chain or the wind-chime reverted umbrella structure to protect the golfrisbee from damage. The flying object has many types such as the golfball, golfrisbee disk, golfring, disk-ring, boomerang, polygon boomerang, multi-boomerang ring, multi-boomerang disk-ring, golfishing, golh hunting practice, grenade, gun golh club, water grenade, water gun golh club, etc. The golfrisbee further comprises a slotted skirt made of rubber material to make it safe for playing in the park and the backbone made of the shock-resistant plastic material. Furthermore, the golh sport is the golf hybrid of the golfrisbee and golfball. Swiveling the golh club, the golfrisbee or the golfball is thrown to fly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Min Ming Tarng, Mei Jech Lin, Eric Yu-Shiao Tarng, Alfred Yu-Chi Tarng, Angela Yu-Shiu Tarng, Jwu-Ing Nieh, Huang-Chang Tarng, Shun-Yu Nieh
  • Patent number: 7540814
    Abstract: A goal for a collapsible, three-dimensional game includes: (a) at least two generally ring-shaped, openable hoops, each of the hoops being openable, closable, and coupleable at a hoop coupling of each hoop, the hoops including at least three post connecting mechanisms; (b) at least three detachable posts of substantially equal length, the posts being removably connectable to one of the post connecting mechanisms on the hoops; (c) a substantially flexible net affixed to an upper one of the hoops; and (d) a detachable net holding mechanism attachable to the post connecting mechanisms on each post; wherein, when the goal is in an open, erect position: a lower one of the hoops rests on the playing surface, the upper hoop being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the lower one of the hoops, the net extending downwardly between the substantially horizontally oriented hoops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Socci Sport, LLC
    Inventor: Jan B. Dilling
  • Publication number: 20090124435
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a soccer goal having improved stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Zachary Tran Memorial Fund
    Inventor: Christopher W. Ferrone
  • Patent number: 7527569
    Abstract: A Soccer Goal Retainer including an enclosure buried in the ground. A bar is mounted in the enclosure and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The bar is located toward the front wall and base of the enclosure. A clamp plate is mounted on the bar by hand bolts which engage threaded openings on the bar. The clamp plate includes a lower member which is secured to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles remote from the lower member and away from the lower member. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member remote from the vertical member toward the lower member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090072817
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysis of magnetic fields or signals used for the determination of the position of an object, wherein two temporally to each other shifted magnetic signals or fields are generated by two conductors arranged at least in part or completely separated from each other. The magnetic fields generated by the conductors are consecutively being captured by at least one and preferably three sensors arranged orthogonally to each other and determining from the captured signals information for determining the position of the object carrying the sensors relative to the conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Tilman Bucher
  • Publication number: 20090029807
    Abstract: A temporary sunshade for a soccer goal which has a net and a goal frame for supporting the net in an outstretched configuration, the outstretched net having contiguous generally planar net surfaces including a horizontal top panel, upright end panels, and a sloping back panel. The sunshade preferably includes a removable flexible sunscreen connectable atop preferably all of the outstretched net as a sunshade for players during periods of soccer play inactivity. The sunscreen includes an airflow opening in a back panel thereof which permits moving air to flow there through for cooling players within the goal space of the soccer goal while remaining shaded. In one aspect, the opening may be an elongated slit formed along a substantial length of the back panel of said sunscreen. In another aspect, the opening may be a plurality of spaced U-shaped cuts through the back panel of the sunscreen each defining a flap movable by air movement thereagainst which produces an opening to permit air to flow there through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Sifrit
  • Publication number: 20090023523
    Abstract: A projectile sports game piece collector provides for receipt of game pieces into a housing through an inlet aperture and an inclined conduit leading to a game piece repository. A compliant impact surface dissipates the kinetic energy of received game pieces before receipt into the repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Poillucci
  • Patent number: 7455603
    Abstract: A sportsball rebounder includes a sports net having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom, a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, the adjustable spring mechanisms disposed rearward of the sports net and including lower ends adjacent the ground that are freely pivotal relative to the ground, the lower ends forming vertices of angles defined by the adjustable spring mechanisms and the ground, and the angles freely changeable with free pivotal movement of the lower ends of the adjustable spring mechanisms; wherein the tension in the sports net is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the sports net is under tension and the sports net is vertically oriented upon adjustment of the tension in the sports net with the adjustable spring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Bow & Lever Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael P. Bouffard, Barton G. Dunlevy
  • Publication number: 20080207361
    Abstract: A Soccer Goal Retainer including an enclosure buried in the ground. A bar is mounted in the enclosure and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The bar is located toward the front wall and base of the enclosure. A clamp plate is mounted on the bar by hand bolts which engage threaded openings on the bar. The clamp plate includes a lower member which is secured to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles remote from the lower member and away from the lower member. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member remote from the vertical member toward the lower member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Brian ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20080188332
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a plurality of struts interconnected to form nodes, with netting optionally attached thereto. The struts comprise: one or more struts defining a crossbar; two or more struts defining respective goal posts; a plurality of ground struts adapted to lie along the ground to define the bottoms of respective left and right sides and a rear of the goal; bracing struts interconnecting ground struts with the nodes at which crossbar struts and goal post struts are connected to form a corner of the goal; and struts defining one or more bracing structures interconnecting ground struts defining the rear of the goal with the crossbar at one or more points intermediate the length of the crossbar. The struts are formed of a tubular material adapted to be pneumatically filled from a pneumatic pump via one or more valves provided in the struts or in means connecting respective struts at the nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: READY SET GOAL LTD
    Inventor: Tommy Caswell
  • Publication number: 20080182687
    Abstract: A system for improving the speed and accuracy of shot on a hockey goal based upon feedback of the shot and the target report. An analogue sensor assembly records the number of hits and their speed and also displays the results with an LED based counter. This practice tool can, with repetition, increase the ability of the trainee to aim for the optimum location for scoring goals in hockey and other sports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Colin T. Ahern
  • Publication number: 20080139343
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable flying disc game includes a foldable base that is positionable between an open position and a closed position; a vertical pole, the foldable base being pivotally attached to a first end of the vertical pole; and a first basket member that is removably coupled to the vertical pole above the foldable base. The first basket member includes a first part and a second part that are detachable from one another. The first part has a first coupling member that receives the vertical pole and permits the first basket member to slide vertically along the pole to a location where the first basket member is coupled thereto. The first coupling member includes a support flange for receiving and supporting the second part to form the assembled first basket member. The game also includes a second basket member that is removably coupled to the vertical pole. The second basket member includes a frame having a first part and a second part that are detachable from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Regent Sports Corporation
    Inventor: Ian A. Sandman
  • Patent number: 7371195
    Abstract: A collapsible sports goal comprising goal posts, supporting members, and a folding means for selective pivoting of the supporting members between an erect configuration and a collapsed configuration without disassembly. Each goal post has a base portion. An upper supporting member includes a crossbar engaging the goal posts. A lower supporting member includes left and right support bars and a rear interposed member engaged therebetween. Forward portions of the support bars securely and pivotably engage the goal posts adjacent to the base portion. The folding means engages the upper and lower supporting members in secure pivotable relation. In the erect configuration, the support bars extend rearwardly and normal to the goal posts, and the folding means extends vertically. In the collapsed configuration, the support bars extend parallel to the goal posts in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Larry Richard Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080085790
    Abstract: A method for deciding whether a movable object has been brought through a goal having a goal area defined by the goal, an internal magnetic field being measurable, within the goal area or in parallel with the goal area, which is larger than an external magnetic field present outside the goal area, the method including a step of generating the internal magnetic field within the goal, a step of providing information about a magnetic field experienced by the movable object, and a step of evaluating the information about the magnetic field to provide a goal statement by means of a detection that the movable object has passed through the internal magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Walter Englert
  • Patent number: 7351168
    Abstract: This device is an all-in-one sports combination, which will allow an individual to play soccer, hockey, rollerblade driveway hockey, lacrosse, football, baseball, and basketball, as well as practice kicking a football. The frame structure will allow different height adjustments for a portion of the device so that the height of the device may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Brian E. Pannell
  • Publication number: 20080076606
    Abstract: A soccer training system is used to condition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improved likelihood of scoring by conditioning the soccer players to aim towards the areas of the goal where shots are more likely to score. Similarly disclosed is a novel method of conditioning soccer players to improve their ability to score goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Aaron Glenn Siefker
  • Patent number: 7341531
    Abstract: An anchoring device for a sports goal, such as a soccer goal, is provided as a portable bag having a pair of laterally spaced-apart weight-carrying compartments interconnected by at least one central strip of material. The central strip defines at least one opening extending between the weight-carrying compartments, and the portable bag is of a size capable of straddling a base rail of a sports goal frame such that the weight-carrying compartments are located on opposite sides of the base rail while the strip extends over the base rail. When the portable bag straddles the base rail, the opening permits a goal net to be fastened to the base rail of the goal frame between the weight-carrying compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kwik Goal Ltd
    Inventor: Anthony Caruso
  • Patent number: 7331880
    Abstract: A Soccer Goal Retainer including an enclosure buried in the ground. A bar is mounted in the enclosure and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The bar is located toward the front wall and base of the enclosure. A clamp plate is mounted on the bar by hand bolts which engage threaded openings on the bar. The clamp plate includes a lower member which is secured to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles remote from the lower member and away from the lower member. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member remote from the vertical member toward the lower member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080032827
    Abstract: A collapsible, multi-legged, multi-faceted sports training article comprising a plurality of legs, each of the legs having an upper portion and a lower portion; an equal number of elongate transverse arms, each of the arms having a first end portion and a second end portion; wherein each of the first end portions are retained adjacent the lower portion of the legs; and maintenance means cooperable with the arms to maintain the article erect and to define the article having a plurality of inclined substantially triangular faces. The article represents a more realistic sports training pylon of a practical size which better simulates a real-life playing situation, particularly for use on ice-rinks, and field hockey and soccer playing fields. The article has a typically height selected from 50-120 cm and is readily collapsible for ease of transportation, storage and readily re-erectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Behrend
  • Patent number: 7326132
    Abstract: A system and supporting mechanisms for practicing the art of shooting at a lacrosse goal maximizes the area to practice running and shooting movements, while minimizing the area required doing so, while best representing the field's dimensions. The invention comprises simple structures, uniquely optimized complex structures and specifically designed mechanisms for lacrosse skill practice that is utilized within the structures. A rectangular alley is formed by a ball retaining material having a front, rear and side walls. The alley has sufficient width and height to permit easy shooting by a player of a lacrosse ball into a rotationally moveable goal which presents various angles of goal openings to the player shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher M. Olexa
  • Publication number: 20080015059
    Abstract: The present invention is a street hockey net consisting of a net frame formed from a plurality of tubular members. The frame includes an upper rectangular frame supported above a lower U shaped frame by three upright members. The upper rectangular frame has a forward horizontal member and a rear horizontal member. The lower U shaped frame has a transverse member mounted between a pair of forward extending members, the forward extending members being connected to the forward horizontal member by two of the upright members. The third upright member forms a central upright member which supports the upper frame by connecting the transverse member to the rear horizontal member. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned on the rear horizontal member and central upright member, said light emitting diodes being oriented towards the back side such that the diodes point behind the frame. The net further includes a diode flasher for flashing the diodes on and off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Chris Bradnam, Chris Buttigieg
  • Patent number: 7311617
    Abstract: A training device for ball games having a first ring member arranged in a first plane and a second ring member arranged in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. A plurality of bars connect the first and second ring members to each other, so that a plurality of openings are defined between the ring members and the bars. The device provides openings defined by the ring members and the bars in all directions when the device is placed with one of the ring members resting on the ground. Thus it is possible for several persons to train at the same time since each person is allowed to use a respective one of the openings. At least one net is suspended across the inner space to catch the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Global Goal ApS
    Inventor: Jesper Langhorn
  • Publication number: 20070281805
    Abstract: A foldable goal has two goalposts, a crossbar, two support struts and a base assembly formed by multiple tubes and multiple hinge assemblies. The tubes and the hinge assemblies can be folded. When the tubes and the hinge assemblies are folded, the foldable goal is folded and has a small volume such that moving or using is convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Simon Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7300059
    Abstract: An assembly including a tubular connector and at least one framing member having a hollow open end and a longitudinally-extending recessed channel. The recessed channel is formed by at least a pair of opposed inwardly-directed walls having inner peripheral surfaces that taper toward one another in a substantially V-shaped configuration. The connector is slidably received within the hollow end of the framing member and has a longitudinally-extending inset track for cooperatively receiving and engaging the tapered inner peripheral surfaces of the channel walls of the framing member. The inset track has outer peripheral surfaces formed by outwardly tapered walls, whereby when the inset track and recessed channel are urged together by a fastener, a slip-resistant joint is formed therebetween. Sports goal assemblies and methods of assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kwik Goal Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony Caruso
  • Patent number: 7278935
    Abstract: The invention relates to sports goals for games such as football, rugby, hockey etc, where the goals are formed by uprights and crossbars. Because of security issues, there are many instances where goals must be removed for storage when not in use, but secured in place to guard against their improper removal by unauthorized persons, with a substantial guarantee that post and the crossbar do not become disconnected when in use. The objective is met by a sports goal comprising two uprights and a crossbar, and a respective connecting member to attach each upright to the crossbar, each connecting member being secured to a respective end of the crossbar and detachably attached to a respective upright by a spigot on the connecting member or upright slidably engaging a socket on the upright or the connecting member, with a releasable barrel lock to secure the spigot within the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Inter Trading Sports Associates Ltd.
    Inventor: John Robert Wilson
  • Patent number: 7247105
    Abstract: A reconfigurable multi-sport, game apparatus is disclosed. The reconfigurable multi-sport, game apparatus includes multiple, separate target portions and a ball return portion. The multi-sport, game apparatus a basketball basket, a first target portion configured to receive a first sports implement thrown by a user, and a second target portion configured to receive a second sports implement propelled along the supporting surface by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt J. Huntsberger
  • Patent number: 7244199
    Abstract: A backstop for a street hockey goal comprising left and right stanchions with a net fastened therebetween with a strut fastenable to a hockey goal for supporting the net in a deployed position. Once deployed the net exceeds the height of the hockey goal and extends beyond said goal to the left and right. The base of each stanchion matingly engage each other when in the folded position with the net having a partial slit vertically extending with fasteners that attach to their respective stanchions when in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Romano
  • Patent number: 7241235
    Abstract: A vandal resistant sports goal net clip, or fastener, for attaching nets to the frames of sports goals. The fasteners are difficult to remove by hand and require the use of a separate tool to attach and remove the net from the frame. Sports goal assemblies and methods of securing nets to goal frames are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kwik Goal Ltd
    Inventor: Anthony Caruso
  • Patent number: 7235025
    Abstract: A sports goal is provided having a pair of vertically extending posts and an interconnecting cross bar, wherein at least one of the posts and the cross bar include a curvilinear section. The posts extend from bottom ends adjacent a playing surface to upper ends interconnected with the cross bar, wherein the bottom ends of the posts and the junctions with the cross bar are located at the vertices of a rectangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hockey Western New York, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Quinn