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  
       [0001]     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  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     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.  
         [0004]     2. Background Information  
         [0005]     Collapsible sports goals are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,375 to Moosavi (“the &#39;375 patent”) shows an adjustable soccer goal with a net. The &#39;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 &#39;375 patent can be disassembled for storage by removing the members 14-20, 34 from the connectors 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32.  
         [0006]     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.  
         [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     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  
       [0009]     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.  
         [0010]     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.  
         [0011]     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.  
         [0012]     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  
       [0013]     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.  
         [0014]      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.  
         [0015]      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.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 1  in a storage/transport condition.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded view of a preferred connection assembly for the intermediate point of the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded view of a preferred elbow portion for use with the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly of the present disclosure in the play position.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 5  in a partially disassembled condition.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 5  in a partially disassembled condition.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 5  in the transport/storage position.  
         [0023]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are detailed views of the portion shown in circle A of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0024]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are detailed views of the portion shown in circle B of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a frame assembly with optional pitchback of the present disclosure in the play position.  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 11  with the optional pitchback in the pitchback position.  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a preferred anchor assembly for the optional pitchback of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a detailed view of a preferred end cap for the anchor assembly of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end cap of  FIG. 14  attached to a goal frame.  
         [0030]      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.  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition.  
         [0032]      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.  
         [0033]      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.  
         [0034]      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.  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly of  FIG. 17  in a storage/transport condition.  
         [0036]      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  
       [0037]     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.  
         [0038]     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 .  
         [0039]     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.  
         [0040]     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.  
         [0041]     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 .  
         [0042]     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.  
         [0043]     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.  
         [0044]     Turning to  FIGS. 5 through 10 B, 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 .  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6 ,  9 A and  9 B, 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 .  
         [0046]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6, 7 ,  10 A and  10 B, 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 .  
         [0047]     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.  
         [0048]     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 .  
         [0049]     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 .  
         [0050]     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.  
         [0051]     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 .  
         [0052]     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 .  
         [0053]     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.  
         [0054]     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 .  
         [0055]     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 .  
         [0056]     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.  
         [0057]     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 .  
         [0058]     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.  
         [0059]     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.  
         [0060]     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 .  
         [0061]     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.