Vertically deployed sports goal

A retractable sports goal includes a base housing and a goal frame. The housing includes first and second post sections and a crossbar housing section. The goal frame includes first and second goal posts and a crossbar. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. A cover plate includes portions that surround the goal posts. Wheels may be attached to the bottom portions of the goal posts. A counter-weight may be provided to bias the goal frame towards the playing position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to sports goals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vertically deployed sports goal.

2. Related Art

A variety of sports games require a rectangular playing surface and a pair of sports goals. Sports playing fields, such as for soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and other sports are large in size and require considerable grass field space and related maintenance. Many facilities, such as schools and community centers, have limited funds and/or space. This is particularly the case in lower income urban localities where both funding and sports playing fields are scarce commodities. In such localities, often the only open space dedicated for outdoor sports is an asphalt or concrete basketball court.

The popularity of soccer is increasing in this country, including by youngsters to an ever-increasing degree. Soccer is an outdoor activity that may be enjoyed by players having a wide variety of skill sets and ages. Further, games such as soccer have minimal equipment requirements, other than a playing surface, soccer goals and a soccer ball. Soccer goals include a horizontal crossbar supported by a pair of goal posts, and a structural frame extending rearward from the bottom of the goal posts and providing a counter-balance to the cross-bar and goal posts, and an attached net. When not in use, soccer goals require a large storage space, preferably in a dry space to mitigate against rust and weathering, as well as to protect against vandalism. These goals must then be relocated from their storage locations to the appropriate positions upon the playing surface to be used.

Other soccer goal arrangements include collapsible soccer goals which are much smaller and lighter than their official versions as generally described above. As such by their nature, these arrangements are flimsy in comparison. Collapsible soccer goals may include a plurality of telescoping poles connected endwise to form a rectangular goal opening, support poles extending rearward from the top corners of the goal to the ground or playing surface, and an attached net. Some arrangements may include poles which are hingedly attached that enable to the goal to be unfolded to a deployed position. These collapsible soccer goals have the advantage of being readily deployable on a variety of available playing surfaces. Grass spikes (to the extent the playing surface permits) and/or physical weights, such as sandbags, may be used in an attempt to keep these goals in place during play.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved sports goal.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a retractable sports goal. The sports goal includes a goal frame housing. The goal frame includes a crossbar housing section with first and second housing ends. The sports goal further includes a goal frame. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. The goal frame includes a crossbar having first and second crossbar ends. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section. The goal frame further includes first and second goal posts. Each of the first and second goal posts has a top end, a bottom end and a post body disposed between the top and bottom ends. The top ends of the first and second goal posts are respectively connected to the first and second crossbar ends with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first and second goal posts.

The sports goal further includes a cover plate having first and second cover ends portions, a main cover portion disposed between the first and second cover end portions, and first and second post openings. The main cover portion is positionable along the crossbar housing section. The cover plate and the crossbar housing section are cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position. The first cover end portion and the main cover portion are cooperatively formed to surround the post body of the first goal post with the first goal post disposed through the first post opening and the goal frame in the playing position. The second cover end portion and the main cover portion are cooperatively formed to surround the post body of the second goal post with the second goal post disposed through the second post opening and the goal frame in the playing position.

According to various embodiments, the main cover portion may have an open position and a closed position. The main cover portion and the crossbar housing section may be cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position and the main cover portion in the closed position. The main cover portion is aligned with first and second cover ends portions with the main cover portion in the closed position, and the main cover portion is not aligned with first and second cover ends portions with the main cover portion in the open position. The first post opening may be cooperatively formed by the first cover end portion and the main cover portion with the main cover portion in the closed position, and the second post opening may be cooperatively formed by the second cover end portion and the main cover portion with the main cover portion in the closed position. The sports goal may further include a hinge attached the main cover portion and the crossbar housing section for allowing the main cover portion to move between the open and closed positions. The post bodies of the first and second goal posts may be circular shaped, and the first and second post openings may be circular shaped. The main cover portion may include first and second lateral sides and front and back longitudinal sides. The front and back longitudinal sides may be parallel to each other and extend along the crossbar housing section. The first lateral side may be disposed adjacent the first cover end portion, and the second lateral side may be disposed adjacent the second cover end portion.

Further, the front longitudinal side may be longer than the back longitudinal side. The main cover portion may be hingedly attached to the crossbar housing section at the front longitudinal side. The first and second lateral sides may be disposed at 45 degrees to the front and back longitudinal sides. The first lateral side may include a first side indentation. The first cover end portion may include a first end indentation. The first side indentation and the first end indentation may cooperatively form the first post opening. The second lateral side may include a second side indentation, the second cover end portion includes a second end indentation. The second side indentation and the second end indentation may cooperatively form the second post opening. The first and second end indentations and the first and second side indentations may be all semi-circular shaped. The sports goal may further include a net attachable to the goal frame.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a retractable sports goal includes a goal frame housing and a goal frame. The goal frame housing includes a horizontal crossbar housing section having first and second housing ends. The goal frame housing further includes a first goal post housing section extending from the first housing end away from and perpendicular to the crossbar housing section. The goal frame housing further includes a second goal post housing section extending from the first housing end away from and perpendicular to the crossbar housing section. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. The goal frame includes a crossbar having first and second crossbar ends. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section. The goal frame further includes a first goal post having a first top end, a first bottom end and a first post body disposed between the first top end and the first bottom end. The first top end of the first goal post is connected to the first crossbar end with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first goal post. The goal frame further includes a second goal post having a second top end, a second bottom end and a second post body disposed between the second top end and the second bottom end. The second top end of the second goal post is connected to the second crossbar end with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the second goal post. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is completely disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. The goal frame further includes first goal post wheels mounted to the first goal post sized and configured to engage the first goal post housing section in rolling contact upon the goal frame moving between the playing position and the retracted position. The goal frame further includes second goal post wheels mounted to the second goal post sized and configured to engage the second goal post housing section in rolling contact upon the goal frame moving between the playing position and the retracted position.

According to various embodiments, the first goal post wheels may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the first goal post, and the second goal post wheels may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the second goal post. The first goal post wheels may be mounted to the first goal post adjacent the first bottom end, and the second goal post wheels may be mounted to the second goal post adjacent the second bottom end. The goal frame housing may include first housing wheels mounted to the first goal post housing section sized and configured to engage the first goal post in rolling contact upon the goal frame moving between the playing position and the retracted position. The goal frame housing may further include second housing wheels mounted to the second goal post housing section sized and configured to engage the second goal post in rolling contact upon the goal frame moving between the playing position and the retracted position. The first housing wheels may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the first goal post housing section. The second housing wheels may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the second goal post housing section. The first goal post wheels may be angularly interposed between the first housing wheels about the first goal post, and the second goal post wheels may be angularly interposed between the second housing wheels about the second goal post. The sports goal may further include a counter-weight sized and configured to bias the goal frame towards the playing position. The counter-weight may be attached to the first and second goal posts via cables.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a retractable sports goal that includes a goal frame housing, a goal frame, and a counter-weight. The goal frame housing includes a horizontal crossbar housing section having first and second housing ends. The goal frame housing includes a first goal post housing section extending from the first housing end away from and perpendicular to the crossbar housing section. The goal frame further includes a second goal post housing section extending from the first housing end away from and perpendicular to the crossbar housing section. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. The goal frame includes a crossbar having first and second crossbar ends. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section. The goal frame further includes a first goal post having a first top end, a first bottom end and a first post body disposed between the first top end and the first bottom end. The first top end of the first goal post is connected to the first crossbar end with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first goal post. The goal frame further includes a second goal post having a second top end, a second bottom end and a second post body disposed between the second top end and the second bottom end. The second top end of the second goal post is connected to the second crossbar end with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the second goal post. In the playing position the crossbar being extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts is respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is completely disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts being respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. The counter-weight sized and configured to bias the goal frame towards the playing position. The counter-weight may be attached to the first and second goal posts via cables.

The present invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as top and bottom, first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Referring now toFIG. 1there is depicted a perspective view of a playing surface10with a pair of retractable sports goals12,14as installed in the playing surface10according to an aspect of the invention. In this example, the playing surface10includes a court16as defined by a court boundary18. The court boundary18includes a first baseline20and a second baseline22. A basketball hoop24may be positioned at the first baseline20and another basketball hoop26may be positioned at the second baseline22. In this embodiment, the basketball hoops24,26are mobile. The basketball hoop24is depicted as having been moved back and the to side of its playing position adjacent the first baseline20. The basketball hoop26positioned adjacent the second baseline22. Each of the basketball hoops24,26includes a pole28that supports a basketball backboard30with an attached basketball rim32. Each basketball backboard26may be respectively aligned with the first and second baselines20,22. The retractable sports goals12,14are both depicted in a playing position. It noted that the sports goal14is depicted without a net for ease of viewing purposes. It is also noted that in practice one would not deploy the sport goal14with the basketball hoop26also it its playing position but are depicted for reference purposes.

The retractable sports goals12,14are installed in the playing surface10as aligned with the first and second baselines20,22. In this regard, the present invention recognizes that the sports goals12,14may be installed relative to the court boundary18to allow the court boundary18to facilitate use in other games than basketball, such as a hardtop version of soccer, street hockey (with or without roller or inline skates, and street lacrosse. This installation allows for what otherwise would be a dedicated basketball activity space to a multi-use facilitate, allowing for the introduction of a variety activities. It is also contemplated that the sports goals12,14may be installed in the court16for its own dedicated usage.

With reference toFIGS. 2-11, in accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a retractable sports goal, such as the sports goal12. The sports goal includes a goal frame housing32and a goal frame34. The goal frame12has a playing position and a retracted position. The sports goal12further includes a cover plate36with a main cover portion38having an open position and a closed position.FIG. 2is a top view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 1in the retracted position with a portion of the surrounding playing surface10.FIG. 3is the top view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 2with the goal frame34in a playing position with the main cover portion38in the open position.FIG. 4is the top view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 2in the goal frame in34the playing position with a main cover portion in a closed position.FIG. 5is a perspective view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 2.FIG. 6is the perspective view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 5with the goal frame in a retracted position and the main cover portion38in the open position.FIG. 7is the perspective view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 6with the goal frame34in between the retracted position and the playing position and the main cover portion38in the open position.FIG. 8is the perspective view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 7with the goal frame34in the playing position and the main cover portion38in the closed position.FIG. 9is a cross sectional side view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 8as shown with a net40.FIG. 10is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal12with the goal frame34in the retracted position and the main cover portion38in the closed position.FIG. 11is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal12ofFIG. 10with the goal frame34in the playing position and the main cover portion38in the closed position.

The goal frame housing32has a crossbar housing section42with first and second housing ends44,46. The goal frame34includes a crossbar48having first and second crossbar ends50,52. In the retracted position the crossbar48is disposed in the crossbar housing section42, such as depicted inFIGS. 6 and 10. In the playing position the crossbar48is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section42, such as depicted inFIGS. 8.9and11. The goal frame34further includes first and second goal posts54,56. The first goal post54has a top end58, a bottom end60and a post body62disposed between the top and bottom ends58,60. The second goal post56has a top end64, a bottom end66and a post body68disposed between the top and bottom ends64,66. The top ends58,64of the first and second goal posts54,56are respectively connected to the first and second crossbar ends50,52with the crossbar48being disposed perpendicular to the first and second goal posts54,56.

The sports goal further includes the cover plate36. The cover plate36has first and second cover ends portions70,72with the main cover portion38disposed between the first and second cover end portions70,72. The cover plate36further has first and second post openings74,76. The main cover portion38is positionable along the crossbar housing section42. The cover plate36and the crossbar housing section42are cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar48with the goal frame34in the retracted position. The first cover end portion70and the main cover portion38are cooperatively formed to surround the post body62of the first goal post54with the first goal post54disposed through the first post opening74and the goal frame34in the playing position. The second cover end portion72and the main cover portion38are cooperatively formed to surround the post body68of the second goal post56with the second goal post56disposed through the second post opening76and the goal frame34in the playing position.

According to various embodiments, the main cover portion38may have an open position and a closed position. The main cover portion38and the crossbar housing section42may be cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar48with the goal frame34in the retracted position and the main cover portion38in the closed position. The main cover portion38is aligned with first and second cover ends portions70,72with the main cover portion38in the closed position. The main cover portion38is not aligned with first and second cover ends portions70,72with the main cover portion38in the open position. This is because the main cover portion38is moved from a position of alignment to one which allows for access to the interior of the crossbar housing section42.

The main cover portion38and the first and second cover end portions70,72are configured to seamlessly blend with the adjacent playing surface10so as minimize any trip hazard and to mitigate against water from entering the goal frame housing32. In this regard, the main cover portion38and the first and second cover end portions70,72are configured to be vertically aligned with the playing surface10and with a minimal amount of gaps with the playing surface10when the main cover portion38in the closed position. The hinge78may be recessed to as to not protrude from the playing surface10. Further, the outer surfaces of the main cover portion38and the first and second cover end portions70,72may be include surface characteristics to be similar to the surrounding playing surface10and/or to not be relatively smooth so as to create in slip hazard. Various warning indicia may be imprinted upon the main cover portion38when rotated to the opened position so as to warn user not to “play.”

The first post opening74may be cooperatively formed by the first cover end portion70and the main cover portion38with the main cover portion38in the closed position. Likewise, the second post opening76may be cooperatively formed by the second cover end portion72and the main cover portion38with the main cover portion38in the closed position. The sports goal12may further include a hinge78attached the main cover portion38and the crossbar housing section42for allowing the main cover portion38to move between the open and closed positions. The hinge78may be constructed without any portion of it extending beyond the uppermost surfaces of the main cover portion68and the adjacent portion of the crossbar housing section42. This allows for a smooth horizontal transition along these surfaces with the main cover portion38in the closed position.

The post bodies62,68of the first and second goal posts54,56may be circular shaped. The first and second post openings74,76may also be circular shaped. These complementary circular shapes are sized with the first and second posting openings74,76being slightly bigger than the post bodies62,68. It is desirable to minimize any gaps between the slightly bigger diameter first and second posting openings74,76compared to the post bodies62,68. This mitigates safety issues with any openings or gaps about the post bodies62,68while the main cover portion38is in the closed position. However, it is also desirable that the first and second post openings74,76are sized so as to allow the main cover portion38be freely rotate between the open and closed positions without the main cover portion38contacting the post bodies62,68with the first and second goal posts54,56in the playing position.

The main cover portion38may include first and second lateral sides80,82and front and back longitudinal sides84,86. The front and back longitudinal sides84,86may be parallel to each other and extend along the crossbar housing section42. The first lateral side80may be disposed adjacent the first cover end portion72. The second lateral side82may be disposed adjacent the second cover end portion74. Further, the front longitudinal side84may be longer than the back longitudinal side86. The main cover portion38is hingedly attached to the crossbar housing section42at the front longitudinal side84with the hinge78. The first lateral side80may include a first side indentation88. The first cover end portion70may include a first end indentation90. The first side indentation88and the first end indentation90may cooperatively form the first post opening74. Similarly, the second lateral side82may include a second side indentation92. The second cover end portion72includes a second end indentation94. The second side indentation92and the second end indentation94may cooperatively form the second post opening76. The first and second end indentations90,94and the first and second side indentations88,92may be all semi-circular shaped.

An aspect of the present invention recognizes that the first and second post openings74,76may be configured to have a minimal size about the post bodies62,68while allowing for freedom of movement of the main cover portion38to move between the open and closed positions. In this regard, the first and second lateral sides80,82may be disposed at 45 degrees to the front and back longitudinal sides84,86. As such the first and second lateral sides80,82are at 45 degrees relative to the axis of rotation of the main cover portion38(i.e., along the hinge78). This mitered junction allows for a minimal sizing of the first and section post openings74,76.

The sports goal12may further have first and second opening covers96,98. The first opening cover96may be used to cover or otherwise be disposed in and across the first post opening74when the main cover portion38is in the closed position (such as depicted inFIGS. 2, 5 and 10). The second opening cover98may be used to cover or otherwise be disposed in and across the second post opening76when the main cover portion38is in the closed position. The first and second opening covers96,98may be used to close up the goal frame housing32when the sports goal12is not in use and the main cover portion is the closed position and the goal frame34is in the retracted position. The first and second opening covers96,98may be tethered to the underside of the main cover portion38so as to not become lost when not positioned in the first and second post openings74,76.

The goal frame housing32may include a first goal post housing section100and a second goal post housing section102. The first goal post housing section100extends orthogonally to crossbar housing section42at the first housing end44. The second goal post housing section102extends orthogonally to crossbar housing section42at the second housing end46. In this regard, the first and second goal post housing sections100,102extend vertically downward in a caisson-like manner. The first and second goal post housing sections100,102are sized and configured to respectively receive the first and second goal posts54,56when the goal frame34is in the retracted position.

A first gas spring104and a second gas spring106may be provided. The first gas spring104may be disposed in the first goal post housing section100and may be configured to support the first goal post54at the bottom end60. The second gas spring106may be disposed in the second goal post housing section102and may be configured to support the second goal post56at the bottom end66. The first and second gas springs104,106may be sized and configured to bias the first and second goal posts upwards from the retracted position towards the playing position. At the least, the first and second gas springs104,106may provide some degree of vertical force on the first and second goal posts54,56, which may or may not be more than the overall weight of the goal frame34. Nonetheless, the first and second gas springs104,106may be used to assist the user when deploy the goal frame34from the retracted position to the playing position. Though not shown, a locking mechanism may be provided to releasably retain the goal frame34in the retracted position, as well as the playing position. Such mechanism may be released to allow for the deployment of the goal frame34from the retracted position. Once the goal frame34is in its playing position, the goal frame34may be temporarily locked into place with the locking mechanism. This is provided as a safety feature to mitigate against the goal frame34from inadvertently collapsing from the playing position. This may be as simple as providing spring loaded locking pins or cotter pins. The first and second gas springs104,106may also be configured to provide a damping effect when lowering the goal frame34from the playing position so as to avoid the goal frame34from rapidly dropping in an unsafe manner.

A first goal post base108may be provided in the goal frame housing32at the first housing end44adjacent the crossbar housing section42, and a second goal post base110may be provided in the goal frame housing32at the second housing end46adject the crossbar housing section42. The first and second goal post bases108,110provide structural support and stability to the first and second goal posts54,56, especially when the goal frame34is in the fully deployed playing position.

The sports goal12may further include the net40attachable to the goal frame34. The net40may be attached to the goal frame34through a series of clips, rings and the like about the rear-facing side of the first and second goal posts54,56and the crossbar48. It is contemplated that the net40may be attached even while the goal frame40is in the retracted position. This allows the goal frame34to be deployed in the playing position and the net40is substantially in a condition for play. A rearward portion of the net40may further be attached to the playing surface10with the use of retaining members112and carabiners114(such as depicted in the side view ofFIG. 12).

It is contemplated that the material selections for the various components of the sports goal12and the related manufacturing processes thereof may be chosen from any of those which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the goal frame housing30and the goal frame34may all be formed of metal, such as steel tubing and plates, of a variety of types and thicknesses with a variety of surface treatments.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 through 16there is provided a sports goal116according to another embodiment. The sports goal116is generally similar to the sports goal12, however with the various differences as notice. In this regard, like reference numerals indicate like structures. Thus, similar referenced structures are as described above but with those differences noted.

FIG. 12is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal116according to another embodiment with a goal frame126in a playing position.FIG. 13is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal116ofFIG. 12with the goal frame126in between the retracted position and the playing position.FIG. 14is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal116ofFIG. 13with the goal frame126in the retracted position.FIG. 15is a perspective view of the sports goal116ofFIG. 13with a goal frame housing118without any cover (with a portion of first and second goal posts134,136of the goal frame126and first and second goal post housing sections122,124in dashed lining).FIG. 16is the perspective view of the sports goal116ofFIG. 15with the goal frame126in the retracted position (with a portion of the first and second goal posts134,136of the goal frame126and the first and second goal post housing sections122,124in dashed lining).

In this embodiment, the goal frame housing118includes a horizontal crossbar housing section120and the first and second goal post housing sections122,124. The goal frame126includes a crossbar128and the first and second goal posts134,136. The cross bar128has opposing first and second crossbar ends130,132. The first goal post134includes a first top end138, an opposing first bottom end140, and a first post body142disposed between the first top end138and the first bottom end140. The second goal post136includes a second top end144, an opposing second bottom end146, and a second post body148disposed between the second top end144and the second bottom end146. The first goal post134extends perpendicularly from the crossbar128with the first top end138attached to the first crossbar end130, and the second goal post136extends perpendicularly from the crossbar128with the second top end144attached to the second crossbar end132.

The goal frame126has a playing position and a retracted position. In the retracted position the crossbar128is disposed in the crossbar housing section120. In the playing position the crossbar128is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section120. In the playing position the crossbar128is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section120and the first and second goal posts134,136are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections122,124. In the retracted position the crossbar128is completely disposed in the crossbar housing section120and the first and second goal posts134,136are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections122,124.

The goal frame126further includes first goal post wheels150mounted to the first goal post134sized and configured to engage the first goal post housing section122in rolling contact upon the goal frame126moving between the playing position and the retracted position. The goal frame126further includes second goal post wheels154mounted to the second goal post136sized and configured to engage the second goal post housing section124in rolling contact upon the goal frame126moving between the playing position and the retracted position. In this regard, the first and second goal post wheels150,152are respectively configured to spin about axes of rotation that are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of each of the first and second goal posts134,136. As such, the first and second goal post wheels150,154are respectively configured to roll in the direction along the longitudinal axes of the first and second goal posts134,136(i.e., in a vertical direction).

According to various embodiments, the first goal post wheels150may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the first goal post134, and the second goal post wheels154may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the second goal post136. The first goal post wheels150may be mounted to the first goal post134adjacent the first bottom end140, and the second goal post wheels154may be mounted to the second goal post136adjacent the second bottom end146. A first post wheel support152may be provided that is used to rotatably attach the first goal post wheels150to the first goal post134adjacent the first bottom end140. A second post wheel support156may be provided that is used to rotatably attach the second goal post wheels154to the second goal post136adjacent the second bottom end146.

Further, the first goal post housing section122may be cooperatively sized and configured to be slightly larger than the arrangement of the first goal post wheels150. In this regard, the first goal post housing section122may have a square cross section with each side being in rolling contact with a respective one of the first goal post wheels150. Similarly, the second goal post housing section124may be cooperatively sized and configured to be slightly larger than the arrangement of the second goal post wheels150. In this regard, the second goal post housing section124may have a square cross section with each side being in rolling contact with a respective one of the second goal post wheels154. This configuration allows for the first and second goal posts134,136to be centered respectively within the first and second goal post housing sections122,124.

The goal frame housing118may include first housing wheels158mounted to the first goal post housing section122sized and configured to engage the first goal post134in rolling contact upon the goal frame126moving between the playing position and the retracted position. The goal frame housing118may further include second housing wheels162mounted to the second goal post housing section124sized and configured to engage the second goal post136in rolling contact upon the goal frame126moving between the playing position and the retracted position.

A first housing wheel support160may be provided that is used to rotatably attach the first housing wheels158to crossbar housing section120adjacent the first goal post housing section122. A second housing wheel support164may be provided that is used to rotatably attach the second housing wheels162to crossbar housing section120adjacent the second goal post housing section124. The first housing wheels158may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the first goal post housing section134. The second housing wheels162may include four wheels disposed equally radially about the second goal post housing section136. This configuration further allows for the first and second goal posts134,136to be centered respectively within the first and second goal post housing sections122,124.

The first goal post wheels150may be angularly interposed between the first housing wheels158about the first goal post134, and the second goal post wheels154may be angularly interposed between the second housing wheels162about the second goal post136. This interposed arrangement allows for the first and second goal posts134,136to be assembled into the first and second goal post housing sections122,124without the first goal post wheels150interfering with the first housing wheels158and the second goal post wheels154interfering with the second housing wheels162during the assembly process. As such, the first goal post wheels150are respectively able to pass through and among the first housing wheels158upon the first bottom end140being positioned in the first goal post housing section122, and the second goal post wheels154are respectively able to pass through and among the second housing wheels162upon the second bottom end146being positioned in the second goal post housing section124.

There may be provided locking levers166,168. The locking lever166,168may be respectively used to engage and controllably lock into place the first and second goal posts134,136relative to the goal frame housing118when the goal frame126is in the playing position.

Referring now toFIGS. 17 through 18there is provided the sports goal116according to another embodiment with the various differences as notice. In this regard, like reference numerals indicate like structures. Thus, similar referenced structures are as described above but with those differences noted.FIG. 17is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal116according to another embodiment with a counter-weight172and the goal frame126in a playing position.FIG. 18is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal ofFIG. 17with the goal frame126in a retracted position. The goal frame housing118may further include a counter-weight housing section170. The counter-weight housing section170extends vertically downward from the crossbar housing section120parallel to the first and second goal post housing sections122,124. The sports goal116may further include the counter-weight172sized and configured to bias the goal frame126towards the playing position. The counter-weight172may be attached to the first and second goal posts via cables174and pulleys176. The counter-weight172is positioned in the counter-weight housing section170. The cables174are attached to the counter-weight172and respectively mechanically connect to the first and second bottom ends140,146. With this arrangement, the counter-weight172is configured to move vertically with its weight being counteracted upon by pulling of the attached cables174. The tension in the cables172imparts a pulling force upon the first and second goal posts134,136.

During the construction and installation phase of deploying the sports goal116, the ground or soil preparation would include trenching and digging holes for the first and second goal post housing122,124. It is contemplated it would be a simple additional task to dig out a hole to accommodate the counter-weight housing section170as well. The use of the counter-weight172is a relatively low cost and low-tech solution providing an assistive force to help move the goal frame126into the playing position. This also provides a counter-force to prevent the goal frame126from rapidly falling into the retracted position.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments set forth in the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.