Abstract:
A collapsible goal and shelter system is provided with a collapsible frame, a net, and a cover. The collapsible frame includes an erect configuration and a collapsed configuration. The net is operable to be attached to the frame, when the frame is in the erect configuration to thereby form a goal. The cover is operable to be attached to the frame, when the frame is in the erect configuration to thereby form a shelter.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a goal and shelter device, in particular to a collapsible goal and shelter device, preferably one which, in a collapsed state at least, is substantially portable. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Sports goals well known in the art. Goals are used in many sports and often involve a frame which defines an area into which a projectile (often a ball) may be struck to score points/goals. The goal often also includes a net attached to the frame and operable to retain the projectile within the goal. Goals are used in many games such as, for example, football (soccer), hockey, etc. 
         [0003]    Sports shelters are also well known in the art and are often situated next to a sports ground, such as a football or baseball pitch, and allow users not participating in the game (coaches, substitute players etc.) to sit in a comfortable, position sheltered from the weather. In the sports arena, sheltering from extremely hot weather is just as important to preserve energy as being sheltered from rain and wind. In view of this, such shelters are often used in places were any extreme weather condition may be experienced. 
         [0004]    Such shelters are normally static and solid in construction. This means that it is necessary to erect a permanent shelter at every sports ground. Furthermore, owing to their solid construction, they often require lots of materials and are therefore costly to construct. 
         [0005]    It is an aim of objects of the present invention to address the above mentioned or other problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible goal and shelter system, the system comprising; a collapsible frame comprising a plurality of frame members, the collapsible frame having a first, erect configuration, and a second, collapsed configuration; the frame defining an opening in the erect configuration; the system further comprising a net operable to be attached to the frame, when the frame is in the erect configuration to thereby form a goal; and the system further comprising a cover operable to be attached to the frame, when the frame is in the erect configuration to thereby form a shelter. 
         [0007]    Preferably, the frame comprises two posts, which are preferably operable to be upwardly extending when the frame is in the erect configuration, which posts may each be formed from two or more post elements, which may be detachably connectable. The two or more post elements may be loosely secured together by an elastic member, which may be an elastic cord, for example. The elastic member may extend internally through a portion of the or each post element. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the frame comprises a cross bar, which is preferably operable to be substantially horizontally extending when the frame is in the erect configuration, which crossbar may be formed from two or more crossbar elements which may be detachably connectable. In one embodiment, the crossbar may be formed from three or more crossbar elements which may be detachably connectable. The two or more cross bar elements may be loosely secured together by an elastic member, which may be an elastic cord, for example. The elastic member may extend internally through a portion of the or each cross bar element. 
         [0009]    The same elastic member that extends through a portion of the post may also extend through a portion of the crossbar, and/or a crossbar connected connector, such as to loosely secure together at least a portion of the post and at least a portion of the crossbar. 
         [0010]    The cross bar is suitably arranged to be attachable to the posts to define an opening, when the frame is in the erect configuration. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the frame comprises two side members. The side members may each be formed from at least two side member elements which may be detachably connectable. The side members may be operable to be operable to be detachably connected to the posts. In the erect configuration, each side member may be attached at or toward each end thereof to each of the posts. The two or more side member elements may be loosely secured together by an elastic member, which may be an elastic cord, for example. The elastic member may extend internally through a portion of the or each side member element. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the frame comprises a lower support bar. The lower support bar may be formed from at least two lower support bar elements, which may be detachably connectable. In the erect configuration, the lower support bar is preferably operable to connect between the two side members. The two or more lower support bar elements may be loosely secured together by an elastic member, which may be an elastic cord, for example. The elastic member may extend internally through a portion of the or each lower support bar element. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the frame comprises an upper support bar. The upper support bar may be formed from at least two upper support bar elements, which may be detachably connectable. In the erect configuration, the upper support bar is preferably operable to connect between the two side members. The two or more upper support bar elements may be loosely secured together by an elastic member, which may be an elastic cord, for example. The elastic member may extend internally through a portion of the or each upper support bar element. 
         [0014]    The elements of the post, crossbar, side members, upper support bar and/or the lower support bar, may be attached to other elements of the same type or a different type via a connecting member. Typically, the connecting member is not integrally formed with the components adjacent to which it is arranged in use. 
         [0015]    An elastic member may extend through one or more post elements and be connected to, directly or indirectly via a connector, a crossbar element. An elastic member may extend through one or more post elements and be connected to a further post element via a connector. 
         [0016]    Typically, the connecting member is of substantially smaller height than the elements it is connecting. Suitably, the width and length, or in the case of a cylindrical connector the diameter, of the connector is substantially the same as at least one of the elements is it connecting. 
         [0017]    Preferably, when a connector is connecting post elements, crossbars elements, or post and crossbar elements, the width and length, or in the case of a cylindrical connector the diameter, of the connector is substantially the same as the elements. 
         [0018]    A connector may comprise attachment means operable to form a detachable attachment to the post and/or crossbar. Preferably, the connector comprises a first attachment means and a second attachment means, wherein the first attachment means requires more energy to remove that the second attachment means. The first attachment means may be in the form of a rivet, the second attachment means may be in the form of a spring clip. 
         [0019]    Preferably, when a connector is connecting post elements or crossbars elements to a side member element the width and length, or in the case of a cylindrical connector the diameter, of the connector is larger than that of the side member elements. 
         [0020]    A connector, post, crossbar, side member, upper support bar and/or lower support bar may comprise an internal attachment means to which an elastic member may be secured. Typically, the elastic member may be secured by forming an attachment to a projection in the internal cavity of the connector, post, crossbar, side member, upper support bar and/or lower support bar, and/or by extending the elastic member through an aperture arranged in the connector, post, crossbar, side member, upper support bar and/or lower support bar, preferably in the internal cavity, and attaching to the elastic member, or forming integrally therein, a holding portion that is unable to pass through the aperture during normal use. 
         [0021]    A connector, post and/or crossbar may comprise an at least partially internal bore operably to receive a side member. Preferably, operable to form a close fit with the side member. 
         [0022]    Suitably, the internal bore may have a cross-section of a different shape to the cross-section of the side member to be received, for example the side member may have a substantially circular cross-section whereas the cross-section of the bore may a tear shape, i.e. substantially rounded but having a pointed corner. Preferably, at least a portion of the internal face of the bore is substantially planar. Preferably, the bore comprises a fitting member operably to allow the bore to form a close fit with the side member. Preferably, the side member operable to be received in the bore comprises a cross-section operable to form a close fit with the bore comprising the fitting member. Preferably, the fitting member comprises a projection into the cavity of the bore. Preferably, the bore comprises a rib extending longitudinally at long at least part of the internal cavity of the bore, wherein the rib allows the bore to form a close fit with a portion of the side member, preferably a portion of a side member of substantially circular cross-section. 
         [0023]    Advantageously, the above configuration permits for improved manufacturing, provides a more uniform wall thickness around the bore, reduces shrinkage, and reduces stresses on the component that may result from uneven wall thickness. 
         [0024]    The bore may be arranged inside the connector, post or crossbar such that the walls around the bore provide a fixing point around which an elastic member may be secured, for example, by forming a closed loop of the elastic around the walls of the bore. 
         [0025]    A connector may comprise portions of variable width and length. Preferably, the connector comprises a portion of width and length suitable to be inserted into a post and/or crossbar element. 
         [0026]    Suitably, the elastic cord may be terminated within a connector. The elastic cord may be terminated by attachment to a connector. 
         [0027]    The system preferably comprises securing means operable in use to allow the net and or the cover to be detachably secured to the frame, in use. 
         [0028]    The securing means may be situated on the net. The securing means may be situated on the cover. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the securing means may allow for a portion of the net to secure to a further portion of the net. In this manner, the net may be wrapped around the frame and secured to itself. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the securing means may allow for a portion of the cover to secure to a further portion of the cover. In this manner, the cover may be wrapped around the frame and secured to itself. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the frame may additionally or alternatively comprise securing means. Securing means on the frame may be arranged and operable to cooperate with securing means on the net or cover. For example, in a hook and loop arrangement or similar. 
         [0032]    The cover may be formed from a substantially weatherproof material. 
         [0033]    All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective partially exploded front view of a collapsible team shelter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective partially exploded rear view of a collapsible team shelter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a collapsible team shelter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3 a    shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a portion of the collapsible team shelter of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3 b    shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portion of the collapsible team shelter of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective part-cutaway view of the frame of a collapsible team shelter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4 a    shows a perspective part-cutaway view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4 b    shows a perspective part-cutaway view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4 c    shows a perspective part-cutaway view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4 d    shows a perspective partially exploded view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a frame of a collapsible team shelter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 5 a    shows a perspective view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 5 b    shows a rear plan view of the portion of  FIG. 5 a    along line B; 
           [0048]      FIG. 5 c    shows a sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 5 a    along the line C-C′; 
           [0049]      FIG. 5 d    shows a sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 5 a    along the line A-A′ of  FIG. 5   c;    
           [0050]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a frame of the collapsible team shelter according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 6 a    shows a perspective partially-exploded view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 6 b    shows a sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 6 a    along the line E-E′; 
           [0053]      FIG. 6 c    shows a part-cutaway view of the portion of  FIG. 6 a    along the direction of line G; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6 d    shows a sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 6 a    along the line C-C′ of  FIG. 6   c;    
           [0055]      FIG. 6 e    shows a sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 6 a    along the line D-D′ of  FIG. 6   c;    
           [0056]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a frame of a collapsible team shelter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 7 a    shows a side part-cutaway view of a portion of the frame of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 7 b    shows a sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 7 a    along the line F-F. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0059]      FIGS. 1 to 4   d  show a first embodiment of a collapsible team shelter  102  according to the present invention. Collapsible team shelter  102  is formed of frame  104 , cover  110  and net  108 . Frame  104  has two post sections  112 , crossbar section  118 , two side members  122 , a lower support bar  126  and an upper support bar  130 . 
         [0060]    Each post section  112  is formed of a linear hollow plastic cylindrical lower post element  114   b  and  114   c  respectively and an upper hollow plastic cylindrical post element  114  a and  114   d  respectively. The post elements of post sections  112  are detachably joined together by substantially hollow plastic cylindrical post joining element  158  and  158   a  respectively. Post sections  112  are arranged in a vertical orientation. 
         [0061]    Horizontally orientated crossbar  118  is formed of three linear hollow plastic cylindrical crossbar elements  120   a ,  120   b  and  120   c . Crossbar elements  120   a  and  120   b  are detachably joined together at one respective end by hollow plastic cylindrical crossbar joining element  164   a . The other end of crossbar element  120   b  is detachably joined to an end of crossbar element  120   c  by crossbar joining element  164 . 
         [0062]    Each of posts  112  are attached to a respective end of crossbar  118  via corner connectors  162 . Corner connectors  162  are of a substantially hollow cylindrical tube having a first cylindrical section arranged at right angles to a second cylindrical section. The first section of corner connector  162  is slotted into an upper end of posts  112  and secured in place by the application of a rivet  144   a  through cooperating apertures in the upper end of posts  112  and the first section of corner connector  162 . The second section of corner connectors  162  is slotted into a respective end of crossbar  118  and secured in place by the passage of a projection on a spring clips  142  arranged in the second section of corner connectors  162  through cooperating apertures in the crossbar  118 . 
         [0063]    The posts  112  and crossbar  118  thus joined form a planer three-sided rectangular structure that when placed on a surface defines rectangular opening  166 . 
         [0064]    Posts  112  have running along at least a portion thereof elastic cord  116  an  116   a . Post connector  158  has laterally extending solid disc  168  extending across the internal cavity of the connector. Disc  168  is continuous apart from a central aperture through which elastic cord  116  is passed. The portion of cord  116  arranged below the underside face of disc  168  is in the form of a knot of sufficient size to prevent passage through the aperture of disc  168 . The cord  116  extends from the knot through the apertures of disc  168  and the internal cavity of post element  114   a  up to corner connector  162 . Corner connector  162  also has a disc (not shown) extending across the internal cavity of the connector, the disc is continuous apart from an aperture through which the end of cord  116  is passed. The portion of cord  116  arranged at the other side of the aperture is in the form of a knot of sufficient size to prevent passage through the aperture of the disc. 
         [0065]    In use, post element  114   a  may be disconnected from post connector  158  and corner connector  162  and yet maintain a connection to the remaining post connecter  114   b  and the crossbar  118 . Such an elasticated connection permits the components to be folded and arranged in a collapsed state (not shown) whilst still maintaining a connection to allow for easy assembly. 
         [0066]    Post elements  114   c  and  114   d  are arranged in a similar manner except that elastic cord  116   a  is not terminated at post connector  158   a . Rather cord  116   a  extends through connector  158   a  and post element  114   c  and is attached to tube  146   a  in foot connector  160  by forming a closed loop of cord  116   a  around the tube  146   a.    
         [0067]    Side members  122  are formed of side member elements  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c  and  124   d . Cylindrical side members  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c  and  124   d  are connected such as to form substantially crescent shaped side members  122 . 
         [0068]    Linear horizontally orientated lower support bar  126  is formed of linear cylindrical lower support bar elements  128   a ,  128   b  and  128   c , wherein support bar element  128   b  is attached at one end to element  128   a  and at the other end to element  128   c . Each end of lower support bar  126  is attached to a side member  122  towards the lower corner of the apex of the side member  122 . 
         [0069]    Linear horizontally orientated upper support bar  130  is formed of linear cylindrical upper support bar elements  132   a ,  132   b  and  132   c , wherein support bar element  132   b  is attached at one end to element  132   a  and at the other end to element  132   c . Each end of upper support bar  130  is attached to a side member  122  towards the upper corner of the apex of side member  122 . 
         [0070]    Corner connectors  162  further have internal hollow cylindrical tubes  146  extending laterally along the join of the first and section sections of the connector  162 . Tubes  146  are closed at one end and open at the other, wherein the open ends of the tubes  146  project slightly outwardly from a side wall of connectors  162 . The non-side member element attached ends of side member elements  124   d  are inserted into the tubes  146  of connectors  162 . Side member elements  124   d  are attached to the connectors  162  such that the side members extend perpendicularly away from crossbar  118  and posts  112 . 
         [0071]    The lower ends of posts  112  and the non-side member element attached ends of side member elements  124   c  are attached via foot connectors  160 . Foot connectors  160  are in the form of an open-ended cylinder wherein the upper open end of the connectors  160  is inserted into the lower ends of posts  112  and secured in place by rivet  144   b . Foot connectors  160  have internal hollow laterally extending tubes  146   a  extending along the base of the connectors. Tubes  146   a  are closed at one end and open at the other, wherein the open end of tubes  146   a  project slightly outwardly of a side wall of connectors  160 . The non-side member element attached end of side member elements  124   c  are inserted into the tubes  146   a  of connectors  160 . Side member elements  124   c  are attached to connectors  160  such that the side members extend perpendicularly away from posts  112 . 
         [0072]    In this arrangement, side members  122 , upper support bar  130  and lower support bar  126  form a supporting structure extending from the rear face of the structure formed by the posts  112  and crossbar  118  when the frame  104  is in the erect position (shown). 
         [0073]    When frame  104  is in the erect position net  108  may be detachably attached to the frame such as to form a porous barrier around the faces of the supporting structure. In use, this arrangement permits a projectile, such as a football, to enter the interior cavity of frame  104  through opening  166  and be held within, or at least prevented from passing through, the faces of the supporting structure. 
         [0074]    Furthermore, when frame  104  is in the erect position waterproof cover  110  may be detachably attached to the frame such as to provide a waterproof barrier around the faces of the supporting structure. In such a configuration users may enter the shelter through opening  166  and obtain protecting from the elements, such as wind and/or rain. To encourage airflow, window  154  is provided in the cover  110 . 
         [0075]    Cover  110  is detachably attached to frame  104  by a plurality of attachment means  134 . Attachment means  134  are formed of elastic loop  136  and toggle  138 . Elastic loop  136  is attached to edge of cover  110  with toggle  138  is attached to the cover slightly inwards therefrom. In use, the edges of cover  110  are arranged around the cylindrically shaped posts  112  and crossbar  118  until loop  136  may engage toggle  138  such as to hold the cover  110  around the post  112  or the crossbar  118 . 
         [0076]    In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of toggles  538  may be attached to posts  112  and crossbar  118  such that, in use, the loops  536  of attachment means  534  are passed around the posts  112  and the crossbar  118  until the loops  536  may engage toggles  538  such as to hold the cover  110  around the post  112  or the crossbar  118 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 5 to 5   d  show a second embodiment of a collapsible team shelter  202  according to the present invention. Shelter  202  is arranged and works in the same manner as shelter  102  except that the elastic cord  216  is terminated in the corner connectors by forming an attachment to internal projection  252 . 
         [0078]    Also shown in second embodiment is rib  250 . Rib  250  is present but not shown in the first embodiment. Rib  250  projects into the cavity of tube  246  and serves to hold the side frame in place while maintaining a constant wall thickness in the part which stops shrinkage in part during the moulding process. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6 to 6   e  show a third embodiment of a collapsible team shelter  302  according to the present invention. Shelter  302  is arranged and works in the same manner as shelters  102  and  202  except that the frame does not have an upper support bar and the posts are formed of one element. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 7 to 7   b  show a fourth embodiment of a collapsible team shelter  402  according to the present invention. Shelter  402  is arranged and works in the same manner as shelters  102  and  202  except both posts  412  have the elastic cord terminated at the post connectors. 
         [0081]    Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0082]    All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. 
         [0083]    Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0084]    The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.