Patent Publication Number: US-8968124-B2

Title: Goal anchoring apparatus and method

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of sporting goal structures, and more particularly, to apparatuses and methods for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal, such as a soccer goal, to a surface, such as the ground. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fields at athletic facilities are often used for a variety of different sports and events. For example, football fields are often also used as soccer fields. To temporarily transition any field into a soccer field, movable soccer goals are placed on the field. Such movable soccer goals, however, are often prone to tip over, sometimes causing injury to players or others. This may be especially true when young children are playing on the field, as young children may be more likely to climb on, hang on, jump on, bump, or otherwise attempt to disturb the soccer goal. Vandals may also move or steal the movable soccer goals. Furthermore, it takes significant time and effort for facilities personnel to properly align a movable soccer goal on a field relative to the sidelines and the other soccer goal. These problems are not only true for soccer goals, but also pertain to other types of goals and athletic equipment, such as field hockey goals, lacrosse goals, backstops, safety nets, and the like. 
     Accordingly, there is a long-felt but unmet need to provide a system that enables facility personnel to quickly and easily anchor a movable soccer goal on a field, such as a football field. Previous attempts at securing movable goals involve piercing or puncturing the surface of the playing field with a stake or screw-type device. These devices, however, can cause damage to a playing field when the field consists of natural turf, and these devices cannot be used at all on artificial playing surfaces. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal, such as a soccer goal, to a surface, such as the ground. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal relative to a surface is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: (1) an enclosure structured to be placed at least substantially below the surface, the enclosure defining a cavity; (2) a goal engaging member movable relative to the surface and structured to engage the structural member of the movable goal; and (3) a tightening mechanism mounted within the enclosure and operatively connected to the goal engaging member, the tightening mechanism being structured to urge the goal engaging member toward the tightening mechanism so that the goal engaging member releasably secures a portion of the structural member of the movable goal. 
     In one embodiment, the enclosure further comprises a clamping member extending outwardly from the enclosure, and the tightening mechanism is configured to urge the goal engaging member toward the tightening mechanism to thereby releasably secure the portion of the structural member of the movable goal between the goal engaging member and the clamping member. In another embodiment, the enclosure further comprises a pedestal extending into the cavity of the enclosure, the pedestal being structured to support and releasably secure the tightening mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the tightening mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism comprising a reel, a flexible belt configured to wind and unwind about the reel, and a handle configured to ratchet the reel in at least one direction. 
     In one embodiment, the enclosure further comprises at least one track member structured to laterally align the goal engaging member when the goal engaging member moves vertically relative to the enclosure. In another embodiment, the enclosure further comprises an anchoring member extending therefrom, the anchoring member structured for anchoring the enclosure below the surface. In still another embodiment, the anchoring member comprises: (1) at least one support member extending into the cavity of the enclosure, the support member defining an aperture; and (2) an elongate member extending through the aperture, the elongate member defining a protuberance at the distal end thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the goal engaging member has a generally hook-shaped configuration. In another embodiment, the goal engaging member comprises an alignment pin extending therefrom, the alignment pin being structured to engage a corresponding aperture in a portion of the structural member of the movable goal to align the movable goal relative to the enclosure. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure is structured to receive a least a portion of a generally vertical structural member of a football goal therein, and wherein the goal engaging member is structured to engage a generally horizontal structural member of a movable soccer goal. In still another embodiment, the enclosure comprises a cover, the cover being structured to extend across at least a portion of the enclosure. In another embodiment, the cover further comprises an aperture, the aperture of the cover being structured so that the goal engaging member may move relative to the enclosure through the aperture. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also provide another apparatus for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: (1) an enclosure configured to be placed at least partially below a surface, the enclosure defining a cavity; (2) a goal engaging member movable relative to the enclosure and structured to engage the structural member of the movable goal; and (3) a tightening mechanism mounted within the enclosure and operatively connected to the goal engaging member, and when the goal engaging member is engaged with the structural member of the movable goal, the tightening mechanism is structured to urge the goal engaging member towards the enclosure to thereby releasably secure a portion of the structural member of the movable goal. 
     In one embodiment, the enclosure further comprises a pedestal extending into the cavity of the enclosure, the pedestal being structured to support and releasably secure the tightening mechanism. In another embodiment, the tightening mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism comprising a reel, a flexible belt configured to wind and unwind about the reel, and a handle configured to ratchet the reel in at least one direction. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure further comprises at least one track member structured to align the goal engaging member when the goal engaging member moves relative to the enclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the goal engaging member has a generally hook-shaped configuration. In another embodiment, the goal engaging member comprises an alignment pin extending therefrom, the alignment pin being structured to engage a corresponding aperture in a portion of the structural member of the movable goal to align the movable goal relative to the enclosure. In another embodiment, the enclosure is structured to receive a least a portion of a generally vertical structural member of a football goal therein, and wherein the goal engaging member is structured to engage a generally horizontal structural member of a movable soccer goal. In still another embodiment, the enclosure comprises a cover, the cover being structured to extend across at least a portion of the enclosure. In another embodiment, the cover further comprises an aperture, the aperture of the cover being structured so that the goal engaging member may move relative to the enclosure through the aperture. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal. For example, in one embodiment, the method comprises: (1) providing a goal anchoring apparatus comprising a movable goal engaging member structured to engage the structural member of the movable goal, and a tightening mechanism operatively connected to the goal engaging member; (2) positioning the goal engaging member so that the goal engaging member engages the structural member of the movable goal; and (3) actuating the tightening mechanism to urge the goal engaging member towards the tightening mechanism so that the goal engaging member releasably secures the structural member of the movable goal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described embodiments of the present invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily draw to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a soccer goal anchored to the field using a goal anchoring apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side section view of the goal anchoring apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear section view of the goal anchoring apparatus of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4-12  illustrate various views of a prototype of the goal anchoring apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a soccer goal anchored to a football goal using a goal anchoring apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a movable soccer goal secured to the field using two goal anchoring devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Embodiments of the present invention address the need for an apparatus and/or method to anchor and/or releasably secure movable goals.  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a soccer goal  10  anchored to a field  20  using a goal anchoring apparatus  30  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the goal anchoring apparatus  30  includes an enclosure  50  buried at least substantially beneath the surface of the field  20 . In an alternate embodiment, the enclosure  50  is buried at least partially beneath the surface of the field  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the enclosure  50  includes a cover  52  for covering the enclosure  50 . In an alternate embodiment, the cover  52  is structured to extend across a portion of the enclosure  50 . In one embodiment, the cover is generally flush with the surface of the field  20  and is, in some embodiments, covered with artificial turf (not shown) so that the cover  52  blends in with the rest of the field  20 . The cover  52  may also be raised above the surface of the field  20 . The cover  52  may be plywood, a metallic plate, a polymeric plate, or made from some other material or combination of materials suitable for supporting the artificial turf and the forces that are typically encountered on the field (e.g., the forces associated with athletes playing various sports, vehicles driving over the field, etc.). 
     A goal engaging member, such as hook-shaped member  40 , extends from within the enclosure  50  through an opening, slit, or cutout  54  in the cover  52 . In an operating configuration, the hook-shaped member  40  extends above the surface of the field  20  so that the hook-shaped member  40  may engage a structural member of the movable soccer goal  10  by, for example, being placed over the horizontal rear ground bar  12  of the soccer goal  10 . A mechanism (not visible in  FIG. 1 ) contained within the enclosure  50  may then be used to urge or pull the hook-shaped member  40  downwards, thereby securing and/or clamping the ground bar  12  of the soccer goal  10  between a portion of the hook-shaped member  40  and the surface of the ground  20  and/or a portion of the enclosure  50 . In this way, the movable soccer goal  10  is anchored to the field  20  and substantially prevented from being moved or tipped over. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure  50  is anchored to the ground with concrete and/or is surrounded by stone, gravel, dirt, or the like (not shown). The dashed lines of the enclosure  50  shown in  FIG. 1  are intended to illustrate the portion of the anchoring apparatus  30  that is below grade in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the bolts or other anchoring members extend from the enclosure  50  into the surrounding material, such as the concrete, to better secure or anchor the enclosure  50  within the ground. In addition, such extensions or structures may be removably coupled to the enclosure  50  to permit removal of the enclosure  50  from the ground. 
     Although this description mainly refers to using embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with a soccer goal  10  and an outdoor artificial turf field  20 , it will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other types of movable goals and other types of surfaces, including outdoor or indoor playing surfaces. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  provide a more detailed view of the goal anchoring apparatus  30  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates a side section view of the goal anchoring apparatus  30  illustrated  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  illustrates a rear section view of the goal anchoring apparatus  30  of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the enclosure  50  may comprise a front wall  57 , a rear wall  56 , a first sidewall  59 , a second sidewall  60 , a lower surface  58 , and a cover  52 . These surfaces define a cavity  51  that is configured to contain the movable goal securing mechanisms beneath the surface of the field  20  so that the mechanisms are generally out of the way and do not present tripping hazards. Furthermore, when the goal anchoring apparatus  30  is not being used to anchor a movable goal, the goal engaging member, such as the hook-shaped member  40 , may also be contained within the enclosure so that the surface of the field  20  is free and clear of any protrusions. 
     The surrounding walls of the enclosure  50  may be made of a metallic material or other suitable material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower surface  58  of the enclosure is completely open or partially open to the material that surrounds the enclosure. Such a design may be useful in that it may permit the drainage of water that enters into the cavity  51 . Additionally, it will be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure  50  may comprise more or fewer walls and/or surfaces than those shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The cover  52  may be supported by a variety of structures. In one embodiment, shelves (not shown) extend from one or more of the enclosures walls, slightly below the upper edges of the walls, to support the cover  52 . In one embodiment, the cover  52  is held in place by gravity and the surrounding walls. In other embodiments, however, the cover  52  is coupled to the enclosure  50  by hinges, tracks, or other mechanisms that allow the cover  52  to open by pivoting or sliding relative to the enclosure  50 . In some embodiments the cover  52  is bolted to the enclosure  50 . In some instances, the enclosure  50  includes a locking mechanism  51  that locks the cover  52  to the enclosure  50 . Such a locking mechanism may require a key or other special tool to open the cover  52  so that only authorized personnel are permitted to access the interior of the enclosure  50 . A locking mechanism such as this may function to prevent tampering with the goal anchoring apparatus  30  and may also prevent unauthorized persons from moving a goal  10  that is anchored by the anchoring apparatus  30 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the hook-shaped member  40  comprises a hook portion  44  and a substantially planar vertical portion  42 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the hook portion  44  may be curved to essentially match the curvature of a circular cross-sectioned bar  12  of a goal  10 . In other embodiments, however, the hook portion  44  may be formed into other hook-like shapes. For example, a more rectangular-shaped hook formed out of three planar portions positioned at right angles to one another is used in some embodiments and may be preferred since such a hook could be used regardless of whether the goal&#39;s ground bar  12  has a circular or rectangular cross section. 
     In one embodiment, the hook-shaped member  40  is comprised of a metallic plate that is bent at one end to form the hook portion  44 . In some embodiments, the hook portion  44 , or at least the inside surface of the hook portion  44 , is padded or otherwise coated with a protective material that functions to prevent the hook-shaped member  40  from scratching the ground bar  12  of the goal  10  and vice versa. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments the hook portion  44  of the hook-shaped member  40  extends from one side of the enclosure  50  to the other. 
     The hook-shaped member  40  is mounted in the enclosure  50  so that it may slide up and down relative to the enclosure  50  in a generally vertical plane. This allows the hook-shaped member  40  to be raised so that the ground bar  12  of the soccer goal  10  may be moved under the hook portion  44  and then lowered so that the hook portion  44  engages the ground bar  12  and clamps or otherwise secures the ground bar  12  between the hook portion  44  and the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the edges of the vertical portion  42  of the hook-shaped member  40  are inserted into slots in the track members  74  so that the hook-shaped member  40  may then slide up and down in the slots. Accordingly, the track members  74  are structured to laterally align the hook-shaped member  40  when the hook-shaped member  40  moves vertically relative to the enclosure  50 . It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the enclosure  50  may comprise track members  74  that are positioned and/or structured differently so as to align the hook-shaped member  40  in a different way as the hook-shaped member  40  moves relative to the enclosure  50 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the edges of the vertical portion  42  are sufficiently long to permit the hook-shaped member  40  to slide sufficiently upwards so that the hook portion  44  may clear the top of the goal&#39;s horizontal ground bar  12 . Also, one or more cutouts, such as the cutout  48  as shown in  FIG. 3 , may be provided in the vertical portion  42  of the hook-shaped member  40  to provide space for various structures and mechanisms, such as the tightening mechanism (described herein) inside the enclosure when the hook-shaped member  40  is slid downward into the enclosure. Further, the hook-shaped member  40  may be slid upwards in the tracks  74  until it is removed from the tracks. Also, the hook-shaped member  40  may be laid down in the enclosure  50  completely within the cavity  51  of the enclosure  50  when the goal anchoring apparatus  30  is not being used to anchor a goal  10 . 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, other structures are provided to permit the hook-shaped member  40  to slide upwards and downwards relative to the enclosure  50  and allow the hook-shaped member  40  to be moved below grade when not in use. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the hook-shaped member  40  includes a pin or wheel coupled to each side of the vertical portion  42 , where each pin or wheel is received within a track. The track allows the pin or wheel to move upwards and downwards relative to the enclosure  50 . In some embodiments, the pins or wheels also allow the hook-shaped member  40  to pivot relative to the track. In this way, when the goal securing apparatus  30  is not in use, the hook-shaped member  40  may be pivoted to a more horizontal configuration so that it is contained completely within the cavity  51 , below the cover  52 . 
       FIGS. 1-3  further illustrate an embodiment of the tightening mechanism that is structured to releasably secure the bar  12  of the goal  10 . As illustrated, the tightening mechanism is mounted within the enclosure  50  and is structured to urge the hook-shaped member  40  towards the tightening mechanism (and/or the enclosure  50 ) when the hook-shaped member  40  is engaged with the bar  12  of the goal  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tightening mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism  60  that comprises a reel (not shown) with a flexible belt  66  wound about the reel. The flexible belt  66  extends generally horizontally from the ratcheting mechanism  60  around a pulley or wheel  72  and then is coupled to the lower edge of the hook-shaped member  40 . Using the handles  62 ,  63 , and/or  64  of the ratcheting mechanism  60 , a user may lock the reel in the ratcheting mechanism  60 , release the reel, and/or ratchet the reel in one direction. For example, a user may release the reel in the ratcheting mechanism  60  to provide slack in the belt  66 . The user may then place the hook-shaped mechanism  40  into the tracks  74  and over a bar  12  of the goal  10 . The user may then use the handles of the ratcheting mechanism to take up the slack in the belt  60 . Once the slack in the belt  66  is taken up, the user may tighten the belt  66  using the handles to ratchet the reel in the ratcheting mechanism  60  in one direction. In this way, the hook portion  44  of the hook-shaped member  40  is tightened down around the bar  12  of the goal  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the belt  66  must be sufficiently long to allow a user to remove the hook-shaped member  40  from the tracks  74  and then lay the hook-shaped member  40  down within the enclosure  50 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratcheting mechanism  60  is a commercially available BoatBuckle® provided by Indiana Mills &amp; Manufacturing, Inc. (IMMI®) of Westfield, Ind. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 , in one embodiment, the end of the belt  66  is coupled to the hook-shaped member  40  by a ring  68  and a pin  69  that is inserted through an aperture in a member  46  extending from the lower edge of the hook-shaped member  40 . In other embodiments, the end of the belt  66  may be coupled to the hook-shaped member  40  using other mechanisms. Furthermore, although a belt  66 , such as a seatbelt-like belt, is described, other embodiments of the present invention may use other types of belts or lines, such as rope, chain, or the like, with other types of ratcheting or tightening systems, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Likewise, although a pulley or wheel  72  is described, other embodiments of the present invention may use a rod or pin with a circular cross section instead of the pulley or wheel  72 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the ratcheting mechanism and the wheel  72  are mounted or otherwise releasably secured to a support surface  70 , such as a pedestal, that extends from the front wall  57  at least partially above the lower edge of the front wall  57 . This type of configuration, where the lower side  58  of the enclosure  50  is open to the material surrounding the enclosure, may be useful since it permits drainage of water that enters the cavity  51 . However, the support surface  70  raises the ratcheting mechanism  60  slightly above the bottom of the cavity to protect the ratcheting mechanism  60  from water that may accumulate in the cavity during, for example, a heavy rain storm. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure, in other embodiments the ratcheting mechanism  60  may be mounted in other ways and in other locations within the enclosure  50 . 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates a pin  80  in the hook portion  44  of the hook-shaped member  40 . In one embodiment, the pin  80  may be used to align the goal  10  side-to-side relative the field  20 . For example, in one embodiment, the goal anchoring device  30  is centered on the field between the sidelines of the playing field. If the pin  80  is located at the center of the securing apparatus  30 , and if a corresponding hole is placed in the bar  12  of the goal  10  at the center of the goal  10 , then aligning and securing the goal  10  so that the pin  80  is received in the hole in the bar  12  will ensure that the goal  10  is in the center of the field  20  and will prevent the goal from being moved side to side on the field  20 . This pin  80  may be used in some embodiments of the present invention, while other embodiments of the present invention may not utilize such a pin  80 . In one embodiment, the pin  80  is separate from the hook-shaped member  40  and is removably received through an aperture in the hook-shaped portion  40 . In other embodiments, the pin is welded to the hook-shaped member  40  or coupled to the hook-shaped portion  40  in other ways. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, other kinds of alignment structures may be used, that those structures may be positioned differently on the member  40  and/or bar  12 , and/or that those structures may operate to align the goal  10  in a different way. 
     It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the goal anchoring apparatus  30  is configured such that a user may anchor a goal  10  by hand, without the use of any tools. 
       FIGS. 4-12  illustrate various views of a prototype goal anchoring apparatus  30  in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of the goal anchoring apparatus  30  showing the apparatus  30  with the cover  52  in place. Although the prototype has a handle  90  extending from the cover  52 , typical embodiments of the present invention will not have such a handle because such a handle may present a tripping hazard on the field  20 . Other embodiments of the present invention may provide a small slot in the cover  52  to allow a user to insert a hand or tool into the slot to facilitate lifting of the cover  52  from the enclosure  50 .  FIG. 4  also shows the hook-shaped member  40  extending above the surface of the cover  52 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the same view as  FIG. 4 , but shows a pipe  112  held by the hook-shaped member  40  to simulate the ground bar  12  of a goal  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the same view as in  FIG. 5 , except that the cover  52  has been removed to show the inside of the enclosure  60 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in this figure, the lower side of the enclosure  50  is open. Also visible are angles  91  that, in one embodiment, are welded to the sides of the enclosure  50 . As shown, these angles  91  define an aperture therethrough so that a bolt  92  may extend through the aperture and below the bottom of the enclosure  50 . Each of the bolts  92  may be anchored in concrete or some other material or structure below the enclosure  50 . Further, as shown, each of the bolts  92  may also comprise at least one protuberance at the distal end thereof to thereby better secure the bolts  92  in the material adjacent the enclosure  50 . In some embodiments, the enclosure  50  may be anchored to the ground but still be removable by removing the nuts that couple the angles  91  to the bolts  92 . It will be understood that other types and numbers of angles or other support members may be used in other embodiments. It will also be understood that other types and number of bolts or other anchoring or elongate members may be used in other embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the height of the enclosure  50  relative to the field  20  is adjustable. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the four bolts  92  illustrated in  FIGS. 6-12  are used to adjust the height of the four corners of the enclosure  50  relative to the surrounding concrete, turf, field, or the like. In one embodiment, two nuts are threaded onto each bolt  92 , one above each angle  91  and one below each angle  91 . The nuts below the angles  91  may then be used to adjust the height of the enclosure  50 . With the bolts  92  anchored below the enclosure  50 , turning the nuts located below the angles  91  in one direction raises the enclosure  50 , and turning these nuts in the other direction lowers the enclosure  50 . The nuts above the angles  91  are used to secure the enclosure to the bolt  92 . This adjusting feature, or a similar adjusting feature, allows a user to adjust the enclosure  50  so that the cover, or a material on top of the cover, is below, above, or flush with the field  20  or other surface surrounding the enclosure  50 . 
       FIG. 6  further depicts the ratcheting mechanism  60 , the belt  66 , the pulley  72 , and the ratcheting mechanism support surface  70 . Tracks  74  are also visible, as are the slots therein for slidably receiving the edges of the hook-shaped member  40 .  FIG. 6  also depicts shelves  96  that support the cover  52  (not shown).  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrates the goal anchoring apparatus  30  from the side and front, respectively, with the cover  52  removed. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a close-up view of the ratcheting mechanism  60 , the belt  66 , and the pulley  72 . Also visible are the angles  91 , bolts  92 , and the ratcheting support surface  70 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates how the belt  66  may be unlocked to provide enough slack so that the hook-shaped member  40  may be slid upwards and removed from the tracks  74 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the hook-shaped member  40  may then be placed generally horizontally inside the enclosure  50  below the level of the cover  52  so that the hook-shaped member  40  may be stored below grade when not in use. Also visible in  FIGS. 10 and 11  is a clamping member  98  that extends from the front wall of the enclosure  50  beneath the hook portion  42  of the hook-shaped member  40 . This allows the bar  12  of the goal  10  to be clamped between the hook-shaped member  40  and the clamping member  98 . In some embodiments of the present invention such a clamping member  98  is not used and the bar  12  of the goal  10  is clamped between the hook-shaped member  40  and the ground  20  or some other portion of the goal securing apparatus  30 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a view of the bottom of the prototype goal securing apparatus  30  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This view shows the angles  91 , the bolts  92 , and the ratcheting mechanism&#39;s support surface  70  described above. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where a goal anchoring apparatus  130 , similar to the apparatus  30  described above, is used to anchor a movable goal, such as soccer goal  10 , to a football goalpost  100 . As illustrated, an enclosure  150  is buried below the surface of the field  20  and a hook-shaped member  140  extends from within the enclosure above the surface of the field  20  to secure a ground bar  12  of the goal  10 . The cover  52  and the enclosure  50  are configured to allow the football goalpost  100  to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the enclosure  50  is large enough to permit the ratcheting mechanism inside the enclosure  50  to be mounted in front of the football goalpost  100 . However, in other embodiments, the ratcheting device is placed on one side of the goalpost  100  or the other. In some embodiments, two ratcheting mechanisms are used to pull the hook-shaped member  140  downward, one ratcheting mechanism on either side of the goalpost  100 . In still other embodiments, the hook-shaped member  40  is on tracks that are angled or essentially horizontal, so that the ratcheting mechanism pulls the hook-shaped member  140  towards the football goalpost  100  to secure the bar  12  of the soccer goal  10  between the hook-shaped member  140  and the football goalpost  100 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where more than one goal anchoring apparatus  30  is used to anchor a goal  10 . Specifically, in one embodiment, two goal anchoring apparatuses  30  are buried into the field  20  proximate to where opposite ends of the goal  10  are supposed to be located on the field  20 . The goal anchoring apparatuses  30  are carefully placed and aligned with each other so that, when the bar  12  of the goal  10  is secured by both of the goal anchoring apparatuses  30 , the goal  10  is automatically square with a goal on the other side of the field (which also uses two goal securing apparatuses) and/or with the end lines on the field. 
     Specific embodiments of the present invention are described herein. Many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments and combinations of embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.