Patent Publication Number: US-11045703-B2

Title: Retractable sports goal

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sports goals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a retractable 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 sand bags, 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 that includes a horizontally disposed base housing and a goal frame. The base housing includes first and second post sections. Each of the first and second post sections has a front end, a back end and a post section body disposed between the front and back ends. The base housing further includes a crossbar section having first and second ends. The first and second ends are respectively connected to the front ends of the first and second post sections with the crossbar section being disposed perpendicular to the first and second post sections. The goal frame 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 goal frame further includes a crossbar having first and second crossbar ends. The first and second crossbar ends are respectively connected to the top ends of the first and second goal posts with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first and second goal posts. The bottom ends of the first and second goal posts are respectively in contact with the first and second post sections during movement of the goal frame between a retracted position and a playing position. In the retracted position the goal frame is disposed in the base housing with the first and second goal posts and the crossbar respectively disposed adjacent the first and second post sections and the crossbar section. In the playing position the goal frame is disposed vertically with the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts respectively disposed adjacent the front ends of the first and second post sections. 
     According to various embodiments, the base housing may further include a main cover plate positionable along the crossbar section of the base housing. The main cover plate and the crossbar section are cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position. The main cover plate may be hingedly attached to the crossbar section. The main cover plate may include first and second end flaps and a plate body extending between the first and second end flaps. The first and second end flaps are foldable upon the plate body and extendable to be parallel to the plate body. The main cover plate may be disposable between the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts with the goal frame in the playing position and the first and second end flaps being folded, and the main cover plate may be disposable upon the base housing with the goal frame in the retracted position and first and second end flaps being extended. 
     The sports goal may further include first and second support bars. The first support bar may be attached to the first goal post and the first post section, and the second support bar may be attached to the second goal post and the second post section. The first and second support bars have a stored length and an extended length. The first and second support bars respectively have the stored length upon the goal frame being disposed in the retracted position, and the first and second support bars respectively have the extended length upon the goal frame being disposed in the playing position. The first and second support bars are respectively selectively lockable in the extended length upon the goal frame being disposed in the playing position. The first and second support bars may be formed of telescoping sections. 
     The sports goal may further include first and second rails respectively disposed in the first and second goal post sections and respectively in contact with the first and second goal posts during movement of the goal frame between a retracted position and a playing position. The sports goal may further include first and second U-shaped support members respectively attached to the bottom ends. Each of the first and second U-shaped support members may have a cavity sized and configured to respectively receive the first and second rails therein. The first and second U-shaped support member may respectively include rollers attached therein in the cavity of each of the U-shaped support members for engaging the first and second rails in rolling contact during movement of the goal frame between a retracted position and a playing position. The sports goal may further include a net attachable to the goal frame. 
     According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of installing a sports goal for use in a playing surface having a basketball court with a basketball hoop extending from a backboard toward the basketball court. The method includes providing a sports goal that includes a horizontally disposed base housing and a goal frame. The base housing includes first and second post sections. Each of the first and second post sections has a front end, a back end and a post section body disposed between the front and back ends. The base housing further includes a crossbar section having first and second ends. The first and second ends are respectively connected to the front ends of the first and second post sections with the crossbar section being disposed perpendicular to the first and second post sections. The goal frame 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 goal frame further includes a crossbar having first and second crossbar ends. The first and second crossbar ends are respectively connected to the top ends of the first and second goal posts with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first and second goal posts. The bottom ends of the first and second goal posts are respectively in contact with the first and second post sections during movement of the goal frame between a retracted position and a playing position. In the retracted position the goal frame is disposed in the base housing with the first and second goal posts and the crossbar respectively disposed adjacent the first and second post sections and the crossbar section. In the playing position the goal frame is disposed vertically with the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts respectively disposed adjacent the front ends of the first and second post sections. The method further includes positioning the base housing in the playing surface with the crossbar section being parallel to the backboard along the basketball court. 
     According to various embodiments, the base housing may be positioned such that it does not extend above the playing surface. The method may further includes providing a main cover plate positionable along the crossbar section of the base housing with the main cover plate and the crossbar section being cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position. The method may further include aligning the main cover plate with the playing surface with the main cover plate positioned along the crossbar section and the main cover plate and the crossbar section surrounding the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position. The method may further include attaching a net to the goal frame. A pole may extend from the playing surface which supports the backboard. The method may further include positioning the cross bar section between the pole and the basketball court. The positioning of the base housing in the playing surface may include positioning the back ends of the base housing with the pole disposed between the back ends and the basketball court. The positioning of the base housing in the playing surface may include positioning the first and second post sections with the pole disposed there between. 
     The present invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a playing surface including a basketball court and a pair of retractable sports goals as installed in the playing surface according to an aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged top view of a sports goal of  FIG. 1  in a retracted position in shown with a pole of a basketball backboard and a basketball hoop (with some components of the sports goal depicted in dashed-lining indicating that such components are position under other components and would otherwise be out of view); 
         FIG. 3  is the enlarged top view of the sports goal of  FIG. 2  with a main cover plate and side plates in an open position; 
         FIG. 4  is cross-sectional side view of the sports goal of  FIG. 3  as depicted along axis  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the sport goal with an outline of a base housing depicted in dashed-lining; 
         FIG. 6  is the perspective view of the sports goal of  FIG. 5  with the goal frame in an intermediate position between the retracted position and a playing position; 
         FIG. 7  is the perspective view of the sports goal of  FIG. 6  with the goal frame in another intermediate position; 
         FIG. 8  is the perspective view of the sports goal of  FIG. 7  with the goal frame in the playing position; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the sport goal of  FIG. 5  (without the outline of the base housing); 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the sport goal of  FIG. 6  (without the outline of the base housing); 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the sport goal of  FIG. 7  (without the outline of the base housing); 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the sport goal of  FIG. 8  (without the outline of the base housing); 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the sport goal of  FIG. 8  with the base housing and attached net as installed in a playing surface; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional back view of the sports goal of  FIG. 13  as depicted along axis  14 - 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the sports goal of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged cross-sectional back view of a portion of the sports goal as indicated in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional back view of a portion of the sports goal similar to  FIG. 16  according to another embodiment; and 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional back view of a portion of the sports goal similar to  FIG. 16  according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. 
     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 to  FIG. 1  there is depicted a perspective view of a playing surface  10  with a pair of retractable sports goals  12 ,  14  as installed in the playing surface  10  according to an aspect of the invention. In this example, the playing surface  10  includes a basketball court  16  as defined by a court boundary  18 . The court boundary  18  includes a first baseline  20  and a second baseline  22 . At each of the first and second baselines  20 ,  22 , a pole  24  supports a basketball backboard  26  with an attached basketball hoop  28 . Each basketball backboard  26  is respectively aligned with the first and second baselines  20 ,  22 . The retractable sport goal  12  is depicted in a retracted position and the retractable sports goal  14  is depicted in a playing position. The sports goals  12 ,  14  are installed in the playing surface  10  as aligned with the first and second baselines  20 ,  22  and basketball backboards  26 . In this regard, the present invention recognizes that the sports goals  12 ,  14  may be installed relative to the court boundary  18  to allow the court boundary  18  to 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. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-15 , in accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a retractable sports goal, such as the sports goal  12 , that includes a horizontally disposed base housing  30  and a goal frame  32 . The base housing  30  includes first and second post sections  34 ,  36 . Each of the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  has a front end  38 , a back end  40  and a post section body  40  disposed between the front and back ends  38 ,  40 . The base housing  30  further includes a crossbar section  44  having first and second ends  46 ,  48 . The first and second ends  46 ,  48  are respectively connected to the front ends  38  of the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  with the crossbar section  44  being disposed perpendicular to the first and second post sections  34 ,  36 . The goal frame  32  includes first and second goal posts  50 ,  52 . Each of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  has a top end  54 , a bottom end  56  and a post body  58  disposed between the top and bottom ends  54 ,  56 . The goal frame  32  further includes a crossbar  60  having first and second ends  62 ,  64 . The first and second crossbar ends  62 ,  64  are respectively connected to the top ends  54  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  with the crossbar  60  being disposed perpendicular to the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52 . The bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  are respectively in contact with the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  during movement of the goal frame  32  between the retracted position and the playing position. With particular reference to  FIGS. 2-5 and 9 , in the retracted position the goal frame  32  is disposed in the base housing  30  with the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  and the crossbar  60  respectively disposed adjacent the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  and the crossbar section  44 . With particular reference to  FIGS. 8 and 12-14 , in the playing position the goal frame  32  is disposed vertically with the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  respectively disposed adjacent the front ends  38  of the first and second post sections  34 ,  36 . The sports goal  12  may further include a net  66  attachable to the goal frame  32 . The net  66  may have various attachment points to various components of the goal frame  32 . With the goal frame  32  in the retracted position the net  66  may be partially attached such as along the crossbar  60  and rolled or folded for storage in the base housing  30 , such as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     The present invention is particularly suited to be installed in locations such as the basketball court  16  where there is an immovable object extends from the playing surface  10 , such as the poles  24 . The sports goal  12  may be installed in the playing surface  10  and because the crossbar section  44  of the base housing  30  is configured where the crossbar  60  is vertically aligned while the goal frame  32  is in both the retracted and playing positions, the crossbar  60  is not required to be rearward (where movement of the goal frame  32  between the retracted and playing positions may be restricted or interfered with). Further, it is contemplated that because the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  extend rearward from the crossbar section  44 , the first and second post section  34 ,  36  may even extend past an immovable object (such as the pole  24 ). 
     According to various embodiments, the base housing  30  generally defines a rectangular U-shape as formed by the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  and the crossbar section  44 , as best seen in the top views of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . A lateral cross-section of the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  is also U-shaped as best seen in the cross-sectional back view of  FIG. 14 . In this respect the base housing  30  defines a U-shaped channel  68  having a U-shaped cross section. The U-shaped channel  68  is sized and configured to receive the goal frame  32  therein. Upon installation, base housing  30  would be positioned within a similarly shaped trench formed in the playing surface  10 . Anchor spikes or bolts  70  may be used to secure the base housing  30  in the playing surface  10 . 
     The base housing  30  may further include a main cover plate  72  and first and second side plates  74 ,  76 . The main cover plate  72  is positionable along the crossbar section  44  of the base housing  30 . The main cover plate  72  and the crossbar section  44  are cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar  60  with the goal frame  32  in the retracted position. The main cover plate  72  has a closed position with the main cover plate  72  positioned to cover the U-shaped channel  68 , such as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The main cover plate  72  may also have an opened position with the main cover plate  72  positioned to not cover the U-shaped channel  68 . For example, referring now to  FIG. 3 , the main cover plate  72  is rotated from its closed position in a direction forward away from the base housing  10  and lying upon the playing surface  10 . The main cover plate  72  may be attached to the crossbar section  44 , such as through the use of hinges  78 . Alternatively, the main cover plate  72  may be simply removed to expose the U-shaped channel  68  when deploying the goal frame  32  and replaced to cover the U-shaped channel  68  once the goal frame  32  is fully deployed in its playing position or when the goal frame  32  is in its retracted position for storage. 
     With the goal frame  32  in its playing position, the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  are disposed vertically upward from the base housing  30  adjacent the opposing ends of the main cover plate  72 . In this regard, with reference to  FIG. 3 , the main cover plate  72  may include first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  and a plate body  84  extending between the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82 . The main cover plate  72  is disposable between the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  with the goal frame  32  in the retracted position and the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  being aligned with the plate body  84 . The first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  and the plate body  84  may each be hingedly attached to the crossbar section  44  of the base housing  30 . Upon deployment of the goal frame  32  from its retracted position to the playing position, the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  may be rotated downward to hang vertically within the U-shaped channel  68 . The plate body  84  may then be rotated to be horizontal and covering the U-shaped channel  68  and thereby placing the main cover plate  72  in its closed position. The plate body  84  of the main cover plate  72  is then disposable between the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  with the goal frame  32  in the playing position and the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  being folded. It is contemplated that the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  may include various tabs that prevent the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  from rotating into the U-shaped channel  68  when the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are in their closed positions and the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  are then respectively placed atop of them. 
     It is contemplated that the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  may be configured differently. For example, though not shown, the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  may be hingedly attached to opposing ends of the plate body  84  with the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82  hanging vertically or folded under the plate body  84  when the plate body  84  is in the closed position. 
     The first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are respectively positionable along the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  of the base housing  30 . The first side plate  74  and the first post section  34  of the base housing  30  are cooperatively sized and configured to surround the first goal post  50  with the goal frame  32  in the retracted position. The second side plate  76  and the second post section  36  of the base housing  30  are cooperatively sized and configured to surround the second goal post  52  with the goal frame  32  in the retracted position. The first and second side plates  74 ,  76  each respectively have a closed position with the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  positioned to cover the U-shaped channel  68 , such as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The first and second side plates may  74 ,  76  each also have an opened position with the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  respectively positioned to not cover the U-shaped channel  68 . For example, referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are respectively rotated toward each other from their closed positions and lying upon the playing surface  10 . The first and second side plates may be respectively attached to the first and second post sections  34 ,  36 , such as through the use of hinges  86 . Alternatively, the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  may be simply removed to expose the U-shaped channel  68  when deploying the goal frame  32  and replaced to cover the U-shaped channel  68  once the goal frame  32  is fully deployed in its playing position or when the goal frame  32  is in its retracted position for storage. In another configuration not shown, rather than having the first and second end flaps  80 ,  82 , the main cover plate  72  may extend across the crossbar section  44  and the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  may have their own flaps to accommodate the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  when the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are in their respective closed positions. 
     The main cover plate  72  and the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are configured to seamlessly blend with the adjacent playing surface  10  so as minimize any trip hazard and to mitigate against water from entering the base housing  30 . In this regard, the main cover plate  72  and the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are configured to be vertically aligned with the playing surface  10  and with a minimal amount of gaps with the playing surface when in their closed positions. The hinges  78  may be recessed to as to not protrude from the playing surface  10 . Further, the outer surfaces of the main cover plate  72  and the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  may be include surface characteristics to be similar to the surrounding playing surface  10  and/or to not be relatively smooth so as to create in slip hazard. 
     Various warning indicia may be imprinted upon the main cover plate  72  when rotated to this opened position so as to warn user not to “play.” Such warning indicia would not be visible when the main cover plate  72  and the first and second side plates  74 ,  76  are in their closed positions. 
     The sports goal  12  may further include first and second rails  88 ,  90  respectively disposed in the first and second post sections  34 ,  36 . The first and second rails  88 ,  90  may be secured to the base housing  30  at the bottom U-shaped channel  68 . The first and second rails  88 ,  90  are respectively in contact with the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  during movement of the goal frame  12  between the retracted position and the playing position. In this regard, the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  are respectively configured to translate along and be supported by the first and second rails  88 ,  90  and the corresponding first and second post sections  34 ,  36 . The first and second rails  88 ,  90  may each have an end stop  92  distally attached there to prevent the bottom ends  56  from moving forward beyond such location. 
     The sports goal  12  may further include first and second U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  respectively attached to the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52 . The U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  may each be respectively hingedly attached to the bottom ends  56  with hinges  98 . The hinges  98  are disposed towards the cross bar section  44  with the goal frame  32  in the playing position. The hinges  98  allow the U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  to lay relatively flat along the first and second rails  88 ,  90  when the goal frame  32 . 
     Each of the first and second U-shaped support members  88 ,  90  have a cavity  100  sized and configured to respectively receive the first and second rails  88 ,  90  therein. As seen in the enlarged view of  FIG. 16 , a slide insert  102  may be positioned in each cavity  100 . Each slide insert  102  is intended to respectively slide along the first and second rails. Each slide insert  102  may be formed of a durable plastic material. In this regard, the bottom ends  56  of the goal frame  32  may be disposed in sliding contact with the first and second rails  88 ,  90 . 
     The sports goal may further include first and second support bars  104 ,  106 . The first support bar may be attached to the first goal post and the first post section, and the second support bar may be attached to the second goal post and the second post section. In the embodiment depicted, the first and second support bars are attached to the first and second post sections adjacent the back ends  40  by being respectively directly attached to the first and second rails. The first and second support bars are pivotably connected to the first and second rails, such as through the use of pin connectors. The first and second support bars are also respectively connected to the goal frame adjacent the first and second crossbar ends  62 ,  64 . The first and second support bars may also be pivotably connected to the top ends  54  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  adjacent the first and second crossbar ends  62 ,  64 , such as through the use of pin connectors. 
     The first and second support bars  104 ,  106  have a stored length and an extended length. The first and second support bars  104 ,  106  respectively have the stored length upon the goal frame being disposed in the retracted position. The first and second support bars  104 ,  106  respectively have the extended length upon the goal frame  32  being disposed in the playing position. The first and second support bars  104 ,  106  are contemplated to have vary in length as the goal frame  32  is moved between its retracted and playing positions, such as depicted in the intermediate positions in  FIGS. 6, 7, 10 and 11 . The first and second support bars  104 ,  106  may be formed of telescoping sections  108 . The first and second support bars  104 ,  106  are respectively selectively lockable in the extended length upon the goal frame  32  being disposed in the playing position. Such selective locking may include spring loaded push-pins to joint adjacent telescoping sections  108  for example. 
     Once the goal frame  32  is in its playing position, the goal frame  32  may be temporarily locked into place. This is provided as a safety feature to mitigate against the goal frame  32  from inadvertently collapsing from the playing position. The U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  have may each have a hole that is respectively aligned with hole in the first and second rails  88 ,  90  through which cotter pins  110  may be inserted. Matching pin supports may also be provided at the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  and each of the U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  that cooperatively receive cotter pins  112  to lock each of the U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  relative to each respective post body  58 . It is contemplated that other locking configurations may be implemented which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as sliding locking bars that are attached to each of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  that are vertically inserted into the first and second rails  88 ,  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17  there is depicted is a cross-sectional back view of a portion of the sports goal  12  similar to  FIG. 16  according to another embodiment. Like reference numerals indicate like structures. Thus, similar referenced structures are as described above but with those differences noted. In this embodiment, there is provided a U-shaped support member  114 . Unlike the U-shaped support member  94  described above, the U-shaped support member  114  is not disposed in sliding contact with the associated first rail  88  and does not include a slide insert  102 . Rather, the U-shaped support member  114  includes one or more rollers  116  attached thereto in the cavity  100  of the U-shaped support member  114  for engaging the first rail  88  in rolling contact during movement of the goal frame  32  between a retracted position and a playing position. A similarly configured U-shaped support member  114  and roller  116  may be associated with the second goal post  52 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18  there is depicted is a cross-sectional back view of a portion of the sports goal  12  similar to  FIG. 16  according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, there is provided a U-shaped support member  118 . Unlike the U-shaped support member  94  described above, the U-shaped support member  118  is not disposed in sliding contact with the associated first rail  88  and does not include a slide insert  102 . Rather, the U-shaped support member  118  includes a plurality of ball bearings  120  attached thereto in the cavity  100  of the U-shaped support member  118  for engaging the first rail  88  in rolling contact during movement of the goal frame  32  between a retracted position and a playing position. A similarly configured U-shaped support member  118  and ball bearings  120  may be associated with the second goal post  52 . 
     It is contemplated that various other arrangements may be provided according to those which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art that facilitate translational movement of the bottom ends  56  of the first and second goal posts  50 ,  52  along the respective first and second post sections  34 ,  36  (including along the first and second rails  88 ,  90  in those embodiments that include the first and second rails  88 ,  90 ). For example various grooves and tracks may be used. 
     It is further contemplated that the material selections for the various components of the retractable sport goal  12  and 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 base housing  30 , the goal frame  32 , the first and second rails  88 ,  90  and the first and second U-shaped support members  94 ,  96  may all be formed of metal, such as steel tubing and plates, of a variety of types and thicknesses with a variety of surface treatments. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing the sports goal  12  for use in the playing surface  10  having the basketball court  16  with the pole  24  installed in the playing surface  10 . The pole  24  supports the basketball backboard  26  and the basketball hoop  28  extends from the backboard  26  towards the basketball court  16 . The method begins with providing a sports goal  12  such as described above. The method further includes positioning the base housing  30  in the playing surface  10  with the crossbar section  44  being parallel to the backboard  26  along the basketball court  16 . In particular a crossbar section  44  may be positioned along the first baseline  20 . In this regard, a trench may be formed in the playing surface  10  adjacent the first baseline  20  of the basketball court  16 . The trench would be generally U-shaped so as to receive the base housing  30  therein. It is contemplated that the base housing  30  may include various drainage holes at the bottom of the U-shaped channel  68  to allow for drainage into the trench. The bottom the trench may be lined with gravel or other drainage arrangement. 
     According to various embodiments, the method may further include positioning the cross bar section  44  between the pole  24  and the basketball court  16 . The positioning of the base housing  30  in the playing surface  10  may include positioning the back ends  40  of the base housing  30  with the pole  24  disposed between the back ends  40  and the basketball court  16 . The positioning of the base housing  30  in the playing surface  10  may include positioning the first and second post sections  34 ,  36  with the pole  24  disposed there between. The base housing  30  may be positioned such that it does not extend above the playing surface  10 . The method may further includes providing the main cover plate  72  positionable along the crossbar section  44  of the base housing  30  with the main cover plate  72  and the crossbar section  44  being cooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar  80  with the goal frame  32  in the retracted position. The method may further include aligning the main cover plate  72  with the playing surface  10  with the main cover plate  72  positioned along the crossbar section  44  and the main cover plate  72  and the crossbar section  44  surrounding the crossbar with the goal frame  32  in the retracted position. The method may further include attaching the net  66  to the goal frame  32 . 
     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.