Patent ID: 7540814
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A collapsible, three-dimensional game goal for use on a playing surface, comprising: (a) at least two generally ring-shaped, openable hoops, each comprising one hoop coupling, each of the hoops being openable and closable at the hoop coupling, the hoops comprising at least three post connecting mechanisms; (b) at least three detachable posts of substantially equal length, opposite ends of each of the posts being removably connectable to one of the post connecting mechanisms on the hoops; (c) a length of substantially flexible net affixed at a plurality of net attachment points to an upper one of the hoops; and (d) a detachable net holding mechanism attachable to the post connecting mechanisms at the opposite ends of each post; wherein, the goal comprises an open, erect position in which a lower one of the hoops rests on the playing surface, the upper one of the hoops being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the lower one of the hoops, the net extending downwardly between the substantially horizontally oriented hoops and the substantially vertically oriented, spaced apart posts; the at least three posts and the net defining at least three adjacent, substantially vertical scoring surfaces; the upper one of the hoops defining the generally circular upper periphery of a scoring basket at the top of the goal, the sides of a generally triangular-shaped base of the scoring basket being formed by the scoring surfaces; and wherein the goal further comprises a collapsed position in which each of the hoops is itself open and coupled to the other one of the hoops at the hoop coupling, the coupled hoop in the collapsed goal position forming compact coils that are each substantially smaller than the hoops in the erect goal position; and wherein the at least three post connecting mechanisms comprise at least three generally T-shaped post connecting tees wherein each post connecting tee comprising a post receiving end that in the erect goal position receives a corresponding end of one of the posts and wherein the tee attachment screw extends through a top of the corresponding post connecting tee and through one of the hoops, the tee attachment screw being fastened in the post receiving end of the corresponding post connecting tee and where the net is attached at a plurality of spaced apart net attachment points to the upper hoop, but not affixed to the at least three posts.