LACROSSE GOAL EXTENSION NET

An extension net for providing a backstop for a standard or specially modified lacrosse goal. The extension net includes one or more frame portions that are secured to the lacrosse goal and are rotatable so as to vary an angle between an end portion of the extension net and the lacrosse goal. The extension net can be sized so as to mark an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease. A convertible goal that has both lacrosse and hockey goal modes and that can support an extension net in one or both of the modes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Related applications are listed in an application data sheet (ADS) filed with this application. The entirety of each of the listed applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a device that attaches to a standard or specially-modified lacrosse goal to provide a backstop for stopping errant shot attempts and to a convertible goal. The present disclosure also relates to a convertible sport goal that can be configured into either a lacrosse goal or a hockey goal.

Description of the Related Art

Lacrosse is a full contact sport played using a small solid rubber ball and long handled racket called a crosse or lacrosse stick. The head of the crosse has a loose net strung into it that allows the player to hold the ball. Offensively the object of the game is to use the stick to catch, carry, and pass the ball in an effort to score by ultimately throwing the ball into an opponent's goal. A standard lacrosse goal measures six feet across and six feet high and contains a mesh netting, similar to an ice hockey goal. The goal sits inside a circular “crease” that measures 18 feet in diameter. During a game, offensive players are not allowed to enter the crease at any time.

A problem that arises when practicing lacrosse shots is that errant shots may travel long distances beyond the goal. Typical lacrosse shots may reach speeds in the 70 mile per hour range and the shot speed of a top professional may exceed 100 miles per hour. Thus, an errant practice shot can pose a safety risk to surrounding people and property. Additionally, a player may have to walk a long distance to retrieve a missed shot or have difficulty locating the ball, thus interrupting his or her practice session. Therefore there is a need for an extension net that can be used with a conventional lacrosse goal to stop missed shots.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a lacrosse goal extension system includes a lacrosse goal and a lacrosse goal extension net. The lacrosse goal includes first and second upright goal supports, the first upright goal support defining a first opening and the second upright goal support defining a second opening. The lacrosse goal extension net includes first and second upright net supports configured to be received within a respective one of the first and second openings defined by the first and second upright goal supports, first and second side arms, a central bar connected to the first and second side arms via first and second articulated elbow joints, the first and second articulated elbow joints allowing first and second sides of the lacrosse goal extension net to be rotatably adjusted relative to the central bar, and a mesh netting supported at least by the first and second side arms and by the central bar. The first and second upright net supports extend outwardly from the first and second upright net supports and connect to the first and second side arms at a medial location on the first and second side arms.

In one embodiment, a lacrosse goal extension net includes a frame including left and right frame portions configured to attach to respective left and right portions of an associated lacrosse goal and be supported thereby in a cantilevered manner, each of the left and right frame portions extending upward and outward from the lacrosse goal, and a mesh net supported by the frame, wherein each of the left and right frame portions are rotatably adjustable to vary an angle between the left and right frame portions and the lacrosse goal.

In one embodiment, a sport goal extension system includes a sport goal and a sport goal extension net. The sport goal includes first and second upright goal supports, the first upright goal support defining a first opening and the second upright goal support defining a second opening. The sport goal extension net includes first and second upright net supports configured to be received within a respective one of the first and second openings defined by the first and second upright goal supports, first and second side arms, a central bar connected to the first and second side arms via first and second articulated elbow joints, the first and second articulated elbow joints allowing first and second sides of the sport goal extension net to be rotatably adjusted relative to the central bar, and a mesh netting supported at least by the first and second side arms and by the central bar. The first and second upright net supports extend outwardly from the first and second upright net supports and connect to the first and second side arms at a medial location on the first and second side arms.

In one embodiment, a sport goal extension net includes a frame including left and right frame portions configured to attach to respective left and right portions of an associated sport goal and be supported thereby in a cantilevered manner, each of the left and right frame portions extending upward and outward from the sport goal, and a mesh net supported by the frame, wherein each of the left and right frame portions are rotatably adjustable to vary an angle between the left and right frame portions and the sport goal.

In one embodiment, a hockey attachment net includes a netting having a plurality of connectors disposed on top and side portions, the connectors being configured to secure the netting to the face of a lacrosse goal, the netting being appropriately dimensioned so as to reduce the effective shooting area of the goal to hockey dimensions.

In one embodiment, a convertible goal system has a first mode in which the goal is sized and shaped for use as a hockey goal and a second mode in which the goal is sized and shaped for use as a lacrosse goal. At least one, and preferably several, pieces of the goal system are used in each mode. In some configurations, one or more pieces of the goal system are not used in at least one mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A-1Cdepict front, side, and top views respectively of a typical lacrosse goal10. The lacrosse goal10includes mesh net14secured to the goal frame12. The frame12is typically made from tubing or pipe generally having an outer diameter of 1.5″.FIG. 1Cshows the goal10situated in the circular crease16. Offensive players may not enter into this area during a lacrosse game.

FIG. 2depicts a front view of an extension net17according to one embodiment of the present invention. The extension net17includes mesh net18which may include standard netting material such as that used to form mesh net14of lacrosse goal10. The mesh net may be made from, for example, nylon. The extension net also includes a frame configured to support the net18. In the illustrated arrangement, the frame includes two vertical rods22which are secured to side posts of the lacrosse goal via mounts20. Vertical rods22are secured to side arms26in a cantilevered manner and braced via bracing rods24to form left and right triangular frame portions23. Mesh net14includes pockets28which slide over a portion of side arms26to secure the net to the frame12. Mesh net14may also be secured to the remaining portions of side arms26, vertical rods22, and side and top posts of the lacrosse goal10. Mesh net14may be secured using, for example, Velcro straps, ties, clasps, or other suitable attachment means. The bottom portion of mesh net18may include weighted portions30to facilitate stopping lacrosse shots. Bottom portions may be weighted with lead or other suitable material. Alternatively, the extension net17may include canvas bags and appropriate fasteners. A purchaser may fill the canvas bags with, for example, sand and secure the weighted bags to the bottom portion of mesh net18. In another embodiment, bottom portion of mesh net18may be secured to the ground via stakes. Advantageously, such an arrangement may avoid the need to have a frame extend on the bottom and/or sides of the net, thus requiring less material and weight for storing and/or shipping purposes. In certain embodiments, the lower portion of the net may not be weighted at all. In such embodiments, the net itself may provide adequate stopping protection and the lack of weighting may facilitate the net's falling back into position after blocking an errant shot. In certain embodiments, a user may also place a weight on a rear portion of the goal10to secure the goal10in place and compensate for any top-heaviness contributed by extension net17.

Mounts20may include two pieces cooperating together in a clam-shell like fashion. Mounts20can include a first piece30(shown inFIGS. 3A-3B) and second piece32(shown inFIG. 4). First piece30and second piece32cooperate to clamp each mount20to side posts of the lacrosse goal. The mounts20are preferably clamped as high as possible on the side posts before the beginning of the posts' curved portions. First and second pieces may be secured to one another and tightened via bolts (not shown). The bolts may be secured to nuts36fixedly attached to first piece30. Each first piece30includes a tubular portion41with a channel40configured to receive an end of vertical rods22. The lower end of tubular portion41may include a welded dowel pin34to fix the position of vertical rods22at a desired height. Alternatively, tubular portion41may include a closed lower end or other appropriate stop means. Mounts20also include bolts (not shown) or other appropriate fasteners to secure vertical rods22within channel40. Rods22may include openings for receiving one or more bolts, set screws, or the like. Bolts may be secured to nuts38which are fixedly attached to each first piece30.

FIGS. 9A and 9Billustrate an alternative embodiment of a clam-shell mounting system including a first piece30′ and second piece32′. First and second pieces30′ and32′ are similar to first and second pieces30and32. A primary difference is that first and second pieces30′ and32′ include additional pairs of holes50. Holes50are configured to receive bolts to secure the mounts to the lacrosse goal. In certain embodiments, a lacrosse goal is specially manufactured to be compatible with a lacrosse goal extension net. Accordingly, in certain embodiments the left and right posts of the lacrosse frame include one or more holes at an appropriate height which align with holes50allowing the extension net to be securely bolted to the goal. In certain embodiments, a user of a lacrosse goal extension net can modify a standard lacrosse goal by drilling holes through the left and right posts in order to facilitate attachment of the lacrosse goal extension net using pieces30′,32′.

As shown inFIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the extension net is sized to extend from the lacrosse goal to the boundary of the crease. Because a regulation lacrosse goal is 6 feet across and the crease is an 18 foot diameter circle, the left and right side arms26of the extension net may extend 6 feet beyond the goal. Such a configuration may facilitate a player's awareness of the crease during practice sessions by marking the crease in settings where the crease is not otherwise marked, e.g. in a typical backyard setup.

In a preferred embodiment, the extension net17is configured so that left and right side arms26of the net may be adjustably rotated between positions parallel to and/or co-planar with the goal and positions perpendicular to the goal, including intermediate positions. In certain embodiments, only three positions may be possible, a substantially parallel and/or coplanar position, a substantially perpendicular position, and an intermediate position. The ability to rotate side arms26is useful for allowing a player to practice shots from a variety of angles by allowing a player to increase the area of missed shot protection. In certain embodiments, the side arms26may be rotated by loosening the bolt securing the vertical rods22within the mount20, rotating the vertical rods22, and then retightening the bolt. In other embodiments, the side arms26may be adjustable by rotating a rotatable upper portion of the vertical rods22. If desired, a detent or other appropriate mechanism can be provided to secure the side arms26in one of a number of available positions.

FIG. 5depicts a top view of an extension net17where the right side arm26has been adjusted to a position nearly perpendicular to the goal10. The left side arm26remains in a standard position substantially co-planar with the goal10. A player may use this configuration to practice the following shooting drill. The player begins by swinging around from behind the left side of the goal10. The player's motion is illustrated by arrow A. The presence of the left side arm26forces the player to maintain a distance from the goal10that would be outside of the crease16in a regulation game. The player then takes a side shot at the goal. The right and left side arm are beneficially positioned to maximize the missed shot protection for a shot taken from this angle. Other configurations and drills will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Other additional configurations may be possible according to certain embodiments of a lacrosse goal extension net. For example, in certain embodiments, the left and right side arms may be independently adjustable to one or more of the following positions: approximately 90 degrees behind the goal, approximately 60 degrees behind the goal, approximately 45 degrees behind the goal, approximately 30 degrees behind the goal, substantially parallel to and/or co-planar with the goal, approximately 30 degrees in front of the goal, approximately 45 degrees in front of the goal, approximately 60 degrees in front of the goal, and approximately 90 degrees in front of the goal. In certain embodiments, the left and right side arms may be adjustable to one or more intermediate positions between the positions set forth above. In certain embodiments, the left and right side arms may be adjustable to all intermediate positions.

FIG. 6illustrates the three pieces used to form each side of the frame for the extension net in one embodiment, i.e. the side arm26, vertical rod22, and bracing rod24which may be secured to one another by bolts or other suitable fastening mechanisms. The frame may extend along part or all of the net's upper edge. As illustrated, frame portions23include only three pieces. Alternatively, frame portions23may be integrally formed, include members additional to those shown, or have alterative geometries. In a preferred embodiment, the frame extends along only a portion of the periphery of the extension net.

The use of frame portions23advantageously minimizes the weight and bulkiness of the extension net17while preserving adequate support for mesh net18. The described embodiment also enables a user to quickly and easily set up and remove the extension net17. Once the initial set up is complete, a user need only remove the vertical rods22from the mounts20(or alternatively remove the mounts from the side posts) and remove the Velcro straps or other fasteners securing the mesh net18to the goal10. The extension net17can thus remain in one piece and ready for quick reinstallation.

In certain embodiments, the extension net may be configured to fold behind the goal when not in use, e.g., during a scrimmage game. Left and right side arms may fold backwards behind the goal so as to be out of the way. The top of the extension net may also be configured to fold down so as to enable a ball to pass over the top of the goal10. This may be accomplished, for example, by the placement of a pivot in vertical rods22.

FIGS. 7-8illustrate an alternative embodiment of an extension net. Triangular frame portions23have been replaced by individual frame rods45extending diagonally from mounts attached to left and right side posts of the goal. A mesh net which may be similar to that of mesh net18may then be secured to frame rods45and to top and side posts of the goal via a variety of fasteners. Frame rods may be configured to pivot behind the goal when the extension net is not in use as seen inFIG. 8. In certain embodiments, a third frame rod may be secured to the top post of the goal to provide additional support for the mesh net or extend between diagonal frame rods45.

FIG. 10illustrates another embodiment of a lacrosse goal extension net54. Lacrosse goal extension net54can be configured to attach to a standard lacrosse goal using appropriate mounts such as mounts20. In the illustrated embodiment, lacrosse goal extension net54is configured to cooperate with a specially adapted lacrosse goal52. Lacrosse goal52can be similar to a standard lacrosse goal but is specially adapted to receive extension net54.FIG. 11illustrates the assembly of the frame56of lacrosse goal52. Lacrosse goal frame56includes left and right legs58,60which are bolted together in the rear of the goal via back plate68. Left and right legs receive, respectively, left and right goal uprights64,66. Left and right goal uprights are connected by center crossbar62.

Left and right goal uprights include openings70,74configured to receive, respectively, net support uprights78,80of the extension net frame77. Left and right goal uprights also include pairs of holes72and76configured to receive pins for adjusting the angle of the extension net's left and right portions.

Extension net54includes frame77and net90. Frame77includes left and right upright supports78,80. As described above, the lower ends of net support uprights78,80are received within openings70,74. In certain embodiments, the lower ends of net support uprights78,80include a pin92(FIG. 13) which prevents the supports from being inserted beyond the desired depth. In certain embodiments pin92is a permanent pin. In other embodiments, pin92is removable. Alternatively, the lower ends of the net support uprights can include an upper enlarged diameter portion which acts as a stop to prevent overinsertion of the net support uprights into the goal uprights. In certain embodiments, openings70,74may only extend to the desired depth of insertion and/or include a permanent or removable pin positioned at a desired depth.

In certain embodiments, lower ends of net support uprights78,80include one or more pairs of holes configured to receive an adjustment pin94. The pairs of holes can be oriented at different angles in order to permit the angle of the extension net's side portions to be adjusted. In order to adjust the extension net, the net support uprights are rotated until the holes of the support uprights align with one of the hole pairs72,76of the left and right goal uprights. In certain embodiments, each of the hole pairs72,76can be oriented at the same angle as shown in the Figures. Adjustment pins94are then inserted to hold the side arms in position. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled hole pairs are positioned at different heights in order to preserve the structural integrity of the net support uprights and goal uprights. In certain embodiments the side portions of the extension net may be rotatable without being secured or may secured by another method such as for example, one or more set screws.

In certain embodiments, a first pair of holes may be used to adjust the arms to a position that is substantially parallel to and/or substantially co-planar with the face of the lacrosse goal. A second pair of holes may be used to allow the side arms to be adjusted to a position that is substantially perpendicular and in front of the goal. A third pair of holes may be used to allow the side arms to be adjusted to a position that is substantially perpendicular and to the rear of the goal. A fourth pair of holes may be used to allow the side arms to be adjusted to a position that is about 45 degrees in front of the goal. A fifth pair of holes may be used to allow the side arms to be adjusted to a position that is about 45 degrees behind the goal. In certain embodiments, additional or different hole pairs can be used to achieve different orientations.

The upright net supports78,80connect to, respectively, left and right side arms82,84via tee joints85. Tee joints85include holes94allowing the tee joints86to be bolted to the left and right side arms82,84and to the left and right upright supports78,80. In the illustrated embodiment, tee joints85are located in an intermediate or a medial position of arms82,84spaced from the ends of the side arms82,84. In certain embodiments, the tee joints85are located in the approximate center of side arms82,84. The central portions of left and right upright net supports are curved outward in order to allow the supports to connect to the tee joints85. It has been found that this configuration provides greater support for side arms82,84. In certain embodiments upright supports extend outward approximately ⅓ the length of side arms. In certain embodiments upright supports extend outward approximately ½ the length of side arms.

Side arms82and84connect to center bar88via articulated elbow joints86. Elbow joints86allow the side arms82,84to rotate around a vertical axis passing through joints86, permitting the side portions of the extension net to be adjustably configured. Elbow joints86include ends96which are received within openings on the ends of center bar88and side arms82,84. Center bar88and side arms82,84are bolted to or otherwise secured to elbow joints86.FIGS. 18illustrates an alternative embodiment of an elbow joint86′. Elbow joint86′ is an external joint and includes openings configured to receive the ends of center bar88and side arms82,84. The elbow axes87of elbow joints86and86′ are aligned with the rotation axis of net support uprights78,80.FIG. 24illustrates another embodiment of the elbow joint86constructed from two pieces of bar stock each having a flattened end such that each piece has a tubular portion302and a flattened portion304. The flattened portions are connected by a rod or shaft306(e.g., a bolt and nut) to define the joint axis. The tubular portions can receive the center bar88and one of the side arms82,84, respectively. The tubular portions can include an opening308that receives a push pin or other pin or engagement member of a locking arrangement.

The top of extension net90can include pockets98on opposite corners. Pockets98are configured to receive ends of side arms. Net90can also include ties, Velcro straps, “bungie ball” connectors, or other suitable connectors100for securing the net90to additional portions of frame77. Such connectors100are also used to secure the net90to the left and right goal uprights and to the goal's center crossbar.

A hockey attachment net102is shown inFIG. 19A. A standard lacrosse goal measures 6 feet high and 6 feet wide. A standard hockey goal measures 6 feet wide and 4 feet high. Many athletes play both of these sports. The hockey attachment net102includes a piece of netting that is sized approximately 2 feet by 6 feet. The hockey attachment net102includes connectors104on the top and sides of the attachment net. Connectors104can include ties, Velcro straps, “bungie-ball” connectors or other suitable connecting means. The hockey attachment net102attaches to the upper portion of a standard lacrosse goal10as shown inFIG. 19Bto shrink the effective shooting area of the goal to hockey dimensions. The hockey attachment net102can be utilized alone or in combination with the extension net54. Attachment nets of other dimensions can be utilized with other types of goals, e.g. soccer or hockey goals, in order to reduce the shooting area to the desired dimensions. The use of an extension net that clamps or otherwise attaches directly to the frame of an existing lacrosse goal provides numerous advantages when compared to other backstops. By utilizing the lacrosse goal for its support, the need for additional structure is minimized, thus reducing size, weight, and overall expense. Additionally, the extension net may be made smaller than other backstops because of its close proximity to the goal. Lacrosse shots frequently arc upwards. Thus, a shot that overshoots the goal by a small amount may continue to rise and ultimately reach a significant height. The proximity of the extension net to the goal thus allows the extension net to capture more missed shots that are “on the rise”, reducing the need for a very tall backstop. Assembly of the extension net may be accomplished by placing the goal front face down, assembling rods and clamps and attaching them to the goal, securing the net to the frame and goal, and then replacing the goal right side up. Other assembly methods are also possible.

Alternatively,FIG. 20illustrates a sports goal system that is convertible between at least two modes, in which a first mode arranges the goal system for use as a goal for a first sport and a second mode arranges the goal system for use as a goal for a second sport. In particular, the illustrated convertible goal system is a convertible sports goal that can be configured into either a lacrosse goal or a hockey goal. Such a system provides consumers with a single product that can be configured as a regulation hockey goal or a regulation lacrosse goal, thus eliminating the need to purchase two separate goals. As described above, the dimensions of a standard lacrosse goal are six feet tall and six feet wide with a depth of six or seven feet. As shown inFIG. 1C and 11, the legs of a standard lacrosse goal angle towards one another in the rear of the goal giving the goal a triangular shape when viewed from above. The dimensions of a standard hockey goal are four feet tall and six feet wide with a depth of approximately four feet.

FIG. 20is a schematic view of one embodiment of a convertible hockey and lacrosse goal. When the combination hockey and lacrosse goal is in its lacrosse goal configuration or first mode, the following frame sections are assembled together: crossbar (A), goal posts (B & C), the front and rear portions of goal bottoms (D & E), and goal post extensions (H & G). In some configurations, hockey cross piece (F) and hockey center unit (I) are generally not used when assembling the goal into its lacrosse goal configuration. In a preferred embodiment, crossbar (A) has a length of approximately six feet. In some embodiments, crossbar (A) is formed from two separate three-foot long sections that may be coupled together. In other embodiments, crossbar (A) may be a single integrally formed six-foot long section. Goal posts (B & C) are preferably approximately four feet in length. Goal post extensions (H & G) are preferably approximately two foot in length. Goal bottoms (D & E) can each be formed from two segments. In certain embodiments, goal bottoms (D & E) each have a total length of six feet. In other embodiments, the total lengths of goal bottoms (D & E) may be approximately 8 feet. In some embodiments, goal bottoms (D & E) are formed from two segments of equal length. In other embodiments, the front and rear segments of goal bottoms (D & E) may differ. For example, in one embodiment, the front segments (i.e. those closest to the front of the goal) may be approximately four feet in length and the rear segments may be approximately two or three feet in length. The lengths discussed above generally do not include additional overlapping lengths of one of the pair of overlapping members in configurations in which the components are assembled to one another by positioning a portion of one component into a portion of another component.

When the combination hockey and lacrosse goal is in its hockey goal configuration or second mode, the following frame portions are assembled together: crossbar (A), goal posts (B & C), the front segments of goal bottoms (D & E), hockey cross piece (F), and hockey center unit (I). In some arrangements, goal post extensions (H & G) and the rear segments of goal bottoms (D & E) are not used when assembling the goal into its hockey goal configuration. In certain embodiments, the length of hockey crosspiece (F) may be approximately four feet. In other embodiments, the length of hockey crosspiece (F) may be approximately six feet. Hockey center unit (I) generally includes a vertical portion that is preferably approximately four feet in length and a horizontal or top portion that is preferably approximately four to six feet in length. In certain embodiments, the top portion of hockey center unit (I) may be formed from two L-shaped pieces. In the hockey goal configuration, the vertical portion of hockey center unit (I) will generally attach to the central portion of hockey cross piece (F). The top portion of hockey center unit (I) may be attached via its two forwardly-extending ends to crossbar (A) and/or goal posts (B & C). The hockey center unit (I) may be configured to maintain the tautness of the netting. The goal posts (B & C) and/or goal extensions (H & G) may be configured to support a backstop, such as any of the backstops disclosed in this application, by any suitable manner, including the opening or clamp arrangements, or any other arrangement, disclosed in this application.

FIGS. 21 and 22illustrate another one embodiment of a convertible sports goal system and, in particular, a convertible hockey and lacrosse goal.FIG. 21shows the goal system in a lacrosse goal configuration.FIG. 22shows the goal in a hockey goal configuration. Both configurations make use of a crossbar200, which can comprise two crossbar portions202,204each having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion can be approximately three feet long (e.g., about 36 inches to the inside of the vertical portion and about 38 inches to the outside of the vertical portion) and the horizontal portion can be approximately two feet long (e.g., about 24 inches to the bottom of the horizontal portion and about 26 inches to the top of the horizontal portion). Such dimensions generally do not include overlapping portions of the In the lacrosse goal configuration, a pair of extensions206,208are connected to respective lower ends of the crossbar200. For example, the upright ends of the extensions206,208are configured to be received within openings on the ends of crossbar100. The extensions206,208may be approximately two feet long in certain embodiments. Crossbar100and extensions206,208may be secured to one another via a push-pin interface or other coupling technique. An identical or similar coupling technique may be used to join together all adjacent portions of the goal's frame.

The goal system also includes bottom goal portions210,212, which are coupled to lower ends of the extensions206,208. The bottom goal portions210,212each have a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, which extends in a rearward direction from the vertical portion. In the lacrosse configuration, the horizontal portions extend rearwardly and inwardly from the vertical portions (i.e., the bottom goal portions210,212are rotated inwardly relative to the extensions206,208). In the hockey goal configuration, the bottom goal portions210,212are oriented such that the horizontal portions extend substantially rearwardly or perpendicular to the horizontal portions of the crossbar100. The vertical portions of the bottom goal portions210,212can each be about two feet in length (e.g., about 24 inches). The horizontal portions can each be about 2-½ feet in length (e.g., about 30 inches to the inside of the vertical portion and about 32 inches to the outside of the vertical portion).

In the lacrosse configuration ofFIG. 21, each of a pair of lacrosse bottom members214,216extend rearwardly from a respective horizontal portion of the bottom goal portions201,212. The bottom members214,216can be identical to one another and approximately three to four feet in length (e.g., about 39.75 inches). A lacrosse rear member218couples the rearward ends of the lacrosse bottom members214,216to one another. The rear member218can be a generally V-shaped member with each leg being about one to two feet in length (e.g., about 15 inches).

To convert to the hockey configuration ofFIG. 22, the goal extensions206,208are removed and the crossbar200is connected directly to the bottom goal portions210,212. In addition, the lacrosse bottom members214,216and rear member218are removed and replaced with hockey bottom members220,222, which are coupled to the rearward ends of the bottom goal portions210,212and to one another. The long side of the members220,222can be about three feet in length (e.g., about 37.5 inches) and the short side can be about one foot in length (e.g., about 14 inches). Although not shown, in some configurations, the hockey configuration could also include a rear support member (similar to center unit (I) ofFIG. 20) that can be a single piece or multiple pieces.

The combination hockey and lacrosse goal may include two nettings, one netting for use with the lacrosse goal configuration and a second netting for use with the hockey goal configuration. The two nettings may have different dimensions and other properties. In other embodiments, a single netting may be configured for use with the combination goal in both of its configurations. The netting and frame portions of the combination goal may include one or more mechanisms for facilitating the attachment of the netting to the frame as is known in the art. All of the parts for both goal configurations, along with one or more nets, can be packaged together as a unit for sale to the consumer to provide a convenient multi-purpose goal system.

The various frame portions of the combination hockey and lacrosse goal may be connected to one another via one or more couplings. The couplings may be any type that is known in the art. In some embodiments, the couplings may be integrally formed with or permanently attached to the ends of the frame members. In other embodiments, the couplings may be separate components. In addition, the dimensions recited herein apply to certain preferred embodiments and generally do not include the overlapping portion of one of the components that overlaps with another (usually, the interior overlapping portion is not included in the dimensions). Other dimensions are possible which result in the goals being of regulation size, or a desired size other than regulation size, in one or both (or more) of the possible configurations.

FIG. 23illustrates one system for supporting a backstop within a goal, which can be the convertible goal or a dedicated hockey, lacrosse or other goal. The system includes a sleeve400that is received within an open vertical support of the goal. The sleeve includes a protrusion402that engages a slot404in the goal (although the arrangement could be reversed and the protrusion could be in the goal and the slot in the sleeve or another rotational interlock arrangement could be used). The sleeve400includes a central opening406that receives a vertical support of the backstop and the sleeve400can be inhibited or prevented from rotating relative to the goal by a set screw408or other suitable arrangement. The sleeve400has an exposed flange, which includes a plurality of adjustment openings410. Any one of the adjustment openings can receive an adjustment pin412, which also passes through an opening in the vertical support of the backstop to secure the vertical support in a desired angular orientation with respect to the goal.

While the invention has been described with reference to lacrosse and hockey goals, other embodiments are possible, including, for example and without limitation, extension nets coupled to soccer goals or any other suitable type of sports goal. Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the present lacrosse goal extension net and extension net and goal system have been described in the context of particularly preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the extension net and/or system may be realized in a variety of other applications, many of which have been noted above. Additionally, it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.