Patent Publication Number: US-10307651-B2

Title: Portable soccer goal

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a non-provisional utility application claiming priority under 35 USC 119 to U.S. Ser. No. 62/222,412, filed Sep. 23, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the present invention relates to a portable soccer goal frame for a soccer goal net with top side bar supports for a more realistic shape and less sag along the top mouth of the goal. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current portable soccer nets support the netting using only vertical or almost vertical flexible fiberglass poles attached to a generally U- or V-shaped base support. The fiberglass poles are flexible, and do not keep the front top edge of the net pulled tightly across the span of the goal mouth, especially for soccer goals that have a width of six feet or larger. Nets with larger goal, pockets generally include additional rear posts to hold up the back portion of the netting material to create a pocket. 
     Within the current group of portable goals available on the market today several problems exist. The first problem is the sagging of the top cross bar which is made of fabric suspended between vertical posts over the top center of the goal. The second problem is the difficulty of set up. The third problem is that the portable goals do not replicate a real soccer goal as they do not form a proper “pocket” with a depth from the goal opening without adding extra vertical posts, which increase set up time and materials used to manufacture the goal. The fourth problem is lack of stability of prior portable goal nets, which tend to have more weight to the rear of the goal frame structure and thus are susceptible to movement and overturning when balls are kicked with greater force into the goal. Accordingly, improvements to portable soccer goals continue to be sought. 
     SUMMARY 
     A portable sports goal has a base having a center section, a left side section disposed at an angle to the center section, and a right side section disposed at an angle to the center section. A first socket extends upwardly from the left side section, and a second socket extends upwardly from the right side section. A first flexible pole that has a distal end and a proximal end is adapted to be removably inserted at its distal end into the first socket. A second flexible pole that has a distal end and a proximal end is adapted to be removably inserted at its distal end into the second socket. 
     A first horizontal bar or top side bar is adapted for removable attachment to the proximal end of the first flexible pole. The first horizontal bar has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a length, and has a top surface and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, a first knob projects upwardly from the top surface of the first horizontal bar. In a second embodiment a first knob projects outwardly, preferably from a front surface, of the first horizontal bar. 
     A second horizontal bar or top side bar is adapted for removable attachment to the proximal end of the second flexible pole. The second horizontal bar has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a length between its distal end and proximal end, and has a top surface and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, a second knob projects upwardly from the top surface of the second horizontal bar. In a second embodiment a first knob projects outwardly, preferably from a front surface, of the first horizontal bar. 
     A net is removably attached to the frame formed by the base, poles and horizontal bars. The net has a top front edge and side front edges. The net is engagable to the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar so as to be held in tension along its top front edge and draped from the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar to the base. The net has a reinforcement tape along at least its top front edge, and preferably also along its two side front edges. The reinforcement tape at the top front edge defines a pocket adapted to receive either the first knob and the second knob of the horizontal bars, or a cord or wire that extends between the first knob and the second knob of the horizontal bars. 
     A more complete understanding of various configurations of the portable soccer goal frame and portable soccer goal disclosed herein will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description. Reference will be made to the appended sheets which will first be described briefly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar components: 
         FIG. 1  is a right front perspective view of a portable sports goal according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view of the portable sports goal of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial left rear perspective view of the portable sports goal of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a right front perspective view of a right side base member showing joining of a net to the base member; 
         FIG. 5  is a right front perspective view of a second embodiment of a portable sports goal according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial left rear perspective view of the portable sports goal of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a right front perspective view of a right side base member showing joining of a net to the base member; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a horizontal bar of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  and a top portion of the flexible post onto which the horizontal bar is attached; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6  of a first configuration for a cross-section of the flexible post; and 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 6  of a second configuration for a cross-section of the flexible post. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “right” and “left” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the headrest, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     It also should be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit. 
     As used herein the term “goal” is broadly construed to include any frame or other structure to which is attached or from which is suspended a net or fabric to create a target space or pocket into which a ball or puck is directed. 
     Turning in detail to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  show a portable soccer goal  100  having a net  70  connected to a frame structure to support the net. The frame has a base  12  with a center bar or channel  14  and a left side bar or channel  16  and a right side bar or channel  18 . The left side bar  16  is disposed at an angle from the center bar or channel  14  in the range of about 90 to 120 degrees. The right side bar  18  is disposed at an angle from the center bar or channel  14  in the range of about 90 to 120 degrees. Preferably, the left side bar  16  and right side bar  18  are slidably removably joined to the center bar  14  such as with spring button release fasteners  20 . Alternatively, the center bar  14  is separable into two or more pieces that are slidably removably joined together. Or, as still another alternative, the center bar  14  and left side bar  16  and right side bar  18  are of one integral piece. The base  12  can also be made using a folding metal base with locking buttons. The base  12  may be formed of an extruded metal tube or channel that is powder coated for improved weather resistance. 
     A first socket  22  is welded to the top surface of the left side bar  16 . A second socket  24  is welded to the top surface of the right side bar  18 . The first socket  22  and second socket  24  define circular openings or hollows to receive distal ends of vertical poles  26 ,  28 . As an alternative to welding, the sockets  22 ,  24  may be adhesively joined, or the sockets  22 ,  24  may be integrally formed into the left side bar  16  and right side bar  18 . In a preferred embodiment, the first socket  22  and second socket  24  are disposed at an angle from vertical and directed with their openings away from the center bar  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first socket  22  and second socket  24  are disposed at an angle in the range of 60 to 85 degrees from horizontal (e.g. from 0) or 5 to 30 degrees from vertical. The angle may be adjusted depending upon the size of the soccer goal (height and pocket). 
     A first pole  26  has a distal end (or bottom end) and a proximal end (or top end) and is removably joined to the base  12  by inserting its distal end into the socket  22 . A second pole  28  has a distal end (or bottom end) and a proximal end (or top end) and is removably joined to the base  12  by inserting its distal end into the socket  24 . The first pole  26  and second pole  28  are flexible, and preferably are formed of fiberglass. Handgrips  30  may be installed around the circumference of each of the first pole  26  and second pole  28  for ease in handling when assembling the frame. Handgrips  30  may be formed of polyurethane foam or of molded rubber or like resilient materials. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first pole  26  and second pole  28  have generally circular cross-sections. Alternatives to this include poles with oval or semi-oval cross-sections. 
     At the proximal end (or top end) of the first pole  26  a first horizontal bar  40  is mounted. The first horizontal bar  40  has a proximal end (or front end) and a distal end (or rear end), and has a top surface  56  and a bottom surface  57 . The first horizontal bar  40  has reinforcing material or a step  50  extending downwardly from its bottom surface at or near the proximal end of the first horizontal bar  40 . The step  50  defines a receiving hole or recess adapted to receive the proximal end (or top end) of the first pole  26 . In this embodiment, the receiving hole or recess is not centrally located along the length of the first horizontal bar  40 , but is eccentrically located closer to the proximal end than to the distal end of the first horizontal bar  40 . The first horizontal bar  40  has an upraised knob  58  extending up from the top surface  56  at or near the proximal end of the first horizontal bar. The knob  58  has a convexly curved upper knob surface. The first horizontal bar  40  additionally defines a net attachment point  64  at or near its distal end. The first horizontal bar  40  optionally is wider  54  at its proximal or front end that at its distal or rear end. 
     A second horizontal bar  40   b  has a structure comparable to the first horizontal bar  40 . The second horizontal bar  40   b  is adapted to receive the proximal end (or top end) of the second pole  28 . 
     A wire or cord  66  connects the first horizontal bar  40  to the second horizontal bar  40   b . The wire or cord  66  extends from the distal end of the first horizontal bar  40  to the distal end of the second horizontal bar  40   b . Preferably, the wire or cord has a length equal to or shorter than the length of the center bar  14 . The length of the wire or cord preferably is proportionate to the size of the soccer goal. For a six-foot wide soccer goal, the length of the wire or cord would be approximately 6 feet, plus some added length for the attachment loops on the ends. For a twenty-four-foot wide soccer goal, the length of the wire or cord would be approximately 24 feet, plus some added length for the attachment loops on the ends. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1-4 , the portable soccer goal  10  of the first embodiment of the invention is shown with the net  70  attached to the frame. The net  70  comprises a woven material having vertical strands  86  crossing horizontal strands  88 . The net  70  further includes a reinforcement tape  74  at the front top horizontal center edge and reinforcement tapes  72  at the front side vertical edges. The reinforcement tapes  72 ,  74  together define the mouth of the goal. Loops  78  at the bottom edges of the front side reinforcement tapes  72  are secured around the front ends of the right side  16  and left side  18  of the base  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 4 ). The front ends of the right side  16  and left side  18  of the base  12  may have extensions or other fastening means to receive the loops  78 . 
     A pocket  80  is formed by or in the reinforcement tape  74  at the front top horizontal center edge. The knobs  58  extending from the top surfaces of the horizontal bars  40 ,  40   b  fit within the pocket  80  to hold the top portion of the net above a ground or floor surface. The flexible poles  26 ,  28  at their distal ends form pivot points. The flexible poles  26 ,  28  urge the horizontal bars  40 ,  40   b  apart to impart tension into the top horizontal center edge of the net  70 , thus reducing sag at the top edge of the goal opening. 
     Hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro)  90  are looped through bottom edges of the net  70  and around the base  12  to join the bottom of the net to the base. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 5-10 , a portable soccer goal  100  of another embodiment of the invention has a net  170  connected to a frame structure to support the net. The frame has a base  112  with a center bar or channel  114  and a left side bar or channel  116  and a right side bar or channel  118 . The left side bar  116  is disposed at an angle from the center bar or channel  114  in the range of about 90 to 120 degrees. The right side bar  118  is disposed at an angle from the center bar or channel  114  in the range of about 90 to 120 degrees. Preferably, the left side bar  116  and right side bar  118  are slidably removably joined to the center bar  114  such as with spring button release fasteners  120 . Alternatively, the center bar  114  is separable into two or more pieces that are slidably removably joined together. Or, as still another alternative, the center bar  114  and left side bar  116  and right side bar  118  are of one integral piece. The base  112  may be formed of an extruded metal tube or channel that is powder coated for improved weather resistance. 
     In the embodiment shown (see  FIGS. 5 and 7 ), a buckle footing  134  extends outwardly from the proximal ends of each of the left side bar  116  and right side bar  118  of the frame. The buckle footings  134  define openings through which stakes (not shown) may be inserted for joining the frame to a ground surface. 
     A first socket  122  is welded to the top surface of the left side bar  116 . A second socket  124  is welded to the top surface of the right side bar  118 . The first socket  122  and second socket  124  define openings or hollows to receive distal ends of vertical poles  126 ,  128 . As an alternative to welding, the sockets  122 ,  124  may be adhesively joined, or the sockets  122 ,  124  may be integrally formed into the left side bar  116  and right side bar  118 . In a preferred embodiment, the first socket  122  and second socket  124  are disposed at an angle from vertical and directed with their openings away from the center bar  114 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the first socket  122  and second socket  124  are disposed at an angle in the range of about 5 to 30 degrees from vertical. 
     A first pole  126  has a distal end (or bottom end) and a proximal end (or top end) and is removably joined to the base  112  by inserting its distal end into the socket  122 . A second pole  128  has a distal end (or bottom end) and a proximal end (or top end) and is removably joined to the base  112  by inserting its distal end into the socket  124 . The first pole  126  and second pole  128  are flexible, and preferably are formed of fiberglass. Handgrips  130  may be installed around the circumference of each of the first pole  126  and second pole  28  for ease in handling when assembling the frame. Handgrips  130  may be formed of polyurethane foam or of molded rubber or like resilient materials. For a larger soccer goal, more fiberglass poles may be required to support the net. For example, for a goal that is eight-feet tall, three poles generally will be required. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-10 , the first pole  126  and second pole  128  have generally oval  126 A or semi-oval  126  cross-sections (see  FIGS. 9  and  10 ). Alternatives to this include poles with round or other geometric cross-sections. The first pole and second pole  126 ,  128  are generally hollow poles causing the poles to flex or bend along their length. 
     At the proximal end (or top end) of the first pole  126  a first horizontal bar  140  is mounted. The first horizontal bar  140  has a proximal end (or front end)  142  and a distal end (or rear end)  144 , and has a top surface  156  and a bottom surface  157 . The first horizontal bar  140  has a downwardly depending neck  148  reinforced by shoulder flanges  150 . The neck  148  defines a slot or hole  146  adapted to receive a top end portion  131  of either the first pole  126  or the second pole  128 . See  FIG. 8 . In the embodiment shown, the slot or hole  146  is located centrally or approximately centrally between the proximal end and distal end of the first horizontal bar  140 . The slot or hole  146  of the horizontal bar  140  receives the top end portion  131  of the pole  126 , as well as the raised sleeve  132  and raised key section  133  of the pole  126  to secure the horizontal bar  140  against rotation on the pole  126 . 
     The first horizontal bar  140  has an upraised knob  164  extending up from the top surface  156  at or near the distal end of the first horizontal bar  126 . The knob  164  has a convexly curved upper knob surface. The first horizontal bar  140  further has an outwardly projecting knob  160  extending from its proximal end  142 . See  FIG. 6 . 
     A second horizontal bar  140  has a structure comparable to the first horizontal bar  140 . The second horizontal bar  140  is adapted to receive the proximal end (or top end) of the second pole  128 . 
     A wire or cord  168  connects the proximal end of the first horizontal bar  140  to the proximal end of the second horizontal bar  140 . The wire or cord  168  is looped  166  around the knob  160  projecting from the first horizontal bar, and is looped around the knob  160  extending from the second horizontal bar. Preferably, the wire or cord has a length equal to or shorter than the length of the center bar  114 . The length of the wire or cord  168  generally matches the length of the mouth of the soccer goal. A six-foot wide goal will have a wire or cord with a length of 6 feet, plus some added length for the loops at the ends. The wire or cord  168  optionally may be elastic and have a stretch tension along its length. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 5-10 , the portable soccer goal  100  of the second embodiment of the invention is shown with the net  170  attached to the frame. The net  170  includes a reinforcement tape  174  at the front top horizontal center edge and reinforcement tapes  172  at the front side vertical edges. The reinforcement tapes  172 ,  174  together define the mouth of the goal. Loops  176 ,  178  at the bottom edges of the front side reinforcement tapes  172  are secured around the front ends of the right side  116  and left side  118  of the base  112  (see  FIG. 7 ). Preferably, the loops  176 ,  178  are extended around the bottom edges at locations spaced apart from the buckle footings  134 , and the buckle footings serve a secondary function to maintain the loops  176 ,  178  on the base  112 . Alternatively, the front ends of the right side  116  and left side  118  of the base  112  may have extensions or other fastening means to receive the loops  176 ,  178 . 
     Loops  180   182  extending from horizontal strands located at what will be the back corners of the net  170  are connected around the knobs  164  on the horizontal bars  140  to hold the top portion of the net  170  above a ground or floor surface by the poles  126 ,  128 . 
     A pocket  175  is formed by or in the reinforcement tape  174  at the front top horizontal center edge. The wire or cord  168  is threaded through the pocket  175  to hold the top portion of the net  170  above a ground or floor surface. The combination of horizontal bars  140  and poles  126 ,  128  create the goal opening or pocket. The flexible poles  126 ,  128  at their distal ends form pivot points. The flexible poles  126 ,  128  urge the horizontal bars  140  apart to impart tension into the top horizontal center edge of the net  170 , thus reducing sag at the top edge of the goal opening. 
     Hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro)  90  are looped through bottom edges of the net  170  and around the base  112  to join the bottom of the net to the base. Metal or plastic fasteners also may be used to attach the edges of the net to the metal frame. 
     As stated above, within the current group of portable goals available in the prior art, several problems exist. The first problem is the sagging of the top cross bar which is made of fabric suspended by vertical posts over the top center of the goal. The second problem is the difficulty of set up. The portable soccer goal and net design according to the invention allows for easy roll up of the net and unpackaging when setting up. The third benefit is that prior art portable nets do not replicate a real soccer goal as they do not form a proper “pocket” for the goal opening without adding extra vertical posts. The fourth benefit is the stability of the net according to the invention. More weight is placed forward and will thus allow harder kicks from the soccer goal without the frame or net toppling over. 
     The net according to the invention utilizes a horizontal bar that attaches to the top of the fiberglass support pole. The net is attached to the horizontal bar so when it is placed on the frame the net is suspended over the top of the net instead of hanging directly from the front top fabric. Because the horizontal bars create a lever action the net hanging between the bars is pulled tighter than is possible using similar diameter fiberglass poles without the horizontal bars. The horizontal cross bars incorporate an elevated “bump” across the front of the net supporting the fabric stretched between them, eliminating the weight of the netting hanging directly from the top cross bar of the mouth of the net. 
     The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. This net incorporates two horizontal bars, one placed on top of each of the fiberglass posts on either side of the net. The horizontal bar holds the net in a unique configuration that supports the net into a larger pocket and with more tension across the front top of the net than is possible with a similar net supported only by fiberglass poles. The horizontal supports extend the net back, up, and away from the front of the net. 
     The claimed invention is an improvement on what currently exists. This net incorporates two horizontal bars, one placed on top of the fiberglass post on either side of the net. The horizontal bar holds the net in a unique configuration that supports the net into a larger pocket and with more tension across the front top of the net than is possible with a prior art net supported only by fiberglass poles. The horizontal supports extend the net back away from the front of the net. Across a large span fabric will sag even when under tension between two posts. When making a net with a pocket, all prior art nets require an extra vertical post or extra vertical posts supports to hold the rear of the net up. 
     The unique shape of the top horizontal supports reduces weight placed on the fabric hung between the supporting posts. The top support also creates the pocket without the use of extra vertical support posts. The single fiberglass post creates a pivot point that then creates leverage between the opposite top support bars so that the weight of the hanging net tightens the top fabric at the mouth of the net. 
     The inventive portable soccer goal includes: 
     1. Metal base made of break-apart or foldable metal tubes. The base has two attachment points for the vertical fiberglass poles to be removably attached. 
     2. Two vertical fiberglass posts. Each post has a handle to make it easier to attach the top bar to the top of the post. The posts can be disassembled for storage. 
     3. Two plastic bars, where one of which attaches to the top of the first fiberglass pole, and the other of which attaches to the top of the second fiberglass pole. The bars are attached at the rear of the net by a wire/rope. The plastic bars also have an attachment point that keeps the rear of the net in place. Preferably, the plastic bars are molded of a thermoplastic resin or of a high impact polycarbonate resin. 
     4. Net that is hung between the top horizontal plastic bars, hung over the rope between the rear of the two horizontal bars and down to the metal base on three sides. 
     5. Carrying bag to transport the portable soccer goal product when it is disassembled. 
     6. Velcro hook and loop fastener strips (or alternatively metal or plastic fasteners) to join the bottom of the net to the metal base at the center and on the sides of the metal base. 
     The components have the following relationship: 
     1. The foldable base is set up in the location that the net will be used. 
     2. The fiberglass poles are placed into the attachment points on the base frame. 
     3. Optionally, the net is stored rolled around the top horizontal bars. The net is unrolled between the two fiberglass poles. A horizontal bar is placed onto the top of each fiberglass pole suspending the net tightly between each fiberglass pole. The net is secured to the metal base using hooks or Velcro fasteners. 
     How the Invention Works: 
     The metal base creates the weight and support for the fiberglass poles. The fiberglass poles, once placed into the attachment points of the metal base, create the tension and support that hold the horizontal bars both up and push them outwards to create tension that supports the net. The horizontal cross bars pivot on the top of the fiberglass poles. When the net is hung between the horizontal bars, it pulls on both the front and rear of the horizontal bars. As tension is placed on the rope that joins the rear of the horizontal bar it puts more tension on the front of the net reducing sag at the top of the mouth of the net. The raised front on the top horizontal bar supports the center fabric stretched between the fabric that forms the top of the mouth of the net reducing sag. 
     How to Make the Invention: 
     The product is manufactured using metal tubing, formed using dies and welded pieces to hold the fiberglass poles. The metal is power-coated for outdoor use. The fiberglass poles are extruded, cut, and painted. The top cross bars are formed using injection molded plastic. The netting is woven, cut and sewn together. The bag is made from sewn fabric. 
     The top horizontal cross bars are essential to the purpose of the invention. The frame materials could be changed and the fiberglass poles could be changed. The netting is critical in order to stop the ball and to function as a traditional soccer goal. 
     If an extra fiberglass pole was added to provide more support to the horizontal bar, the net would still function in the same manner. The position and angles of the fiberglass support poles could be changed and the net would still function in the same way. 
     How to Use the Invention: 
     A soccer player would use this net on fields, in gyms or in backyards where large soccer goals are impractical due to their size and weight, or where more goals are needed for a short period of time to increase the ability for more players to practice. The goal allows for practicing anywhere a soccer goal is not present or where more goals are needed. 
     Additionally, this product could be used to create support for shade or protection from the sun or rain if the net material was replaced by a fabric or water proof fabric stretched between the two top horizontal bars. Beyond soccer, the net could also be used for other sports where the ball needs to be stopped. Such other sports could be, but are not limited to, golf, lacrosse, baseball, hockey and football. 
     Thus, various configurations of goal frames and portable soccer goal frames with top side bar supports are disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, the examples described herein are not to be construed as limiting. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.