Patent Description:
Football goals are used in football matches, football training sessions, and for recreation purposes with a football.

Current football goals are fixed sizes, with a variety of sizes available depending on the type of use, such as, recreational five-a-side football goal standards, with goal sizes typically with a width between <NUM> metres and <NUM> metres, and a height of <NUM> metres, or professional football goal standards, with a goal size typically of a width of <NUM> metres and a height of <NUM> metres, or amateur youth football goal standards, with goal sizes typically with a width between <NUM> metres and <NUM> metres, and a height between <NUM> metres and <NUM> metres. The limitation in the ability to adjust the football goal size, results in multiple football goals, of varying sizes, to be required.

It is known to provide a frame for a football goal comprising telescopic frame components, to allow for more convenient packaging.

<CIT> discloses a foal apparatus comprising a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member.

It is an object of the present patent application to provide a football goal with one or more adjustable dimensions, such as, height, width, and/or depth, to allow for a football goal that can adopt any one of a plurality of goals sizes.

A first aspect provides a goal for use in a ball sport such as football comprising:.

The goal may be configured such that it can adopt a plurality of discrete widths. The goal may be configured such that the width is adjustable to adopt any value within a range of values.

The frame member spanning the width of the goal may be offset from the flexible crossbar member. The frame member spanning the width of the goal may be offset from the flexible crossbar member. At least a portion of the frame member spanning the width of the goal may lie on the ground. The frame member spanning the width of the goal may be a rear frame member forming part of a base of the frame.

The first user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member may comprise a mechanical fastening means or a magnetic fastening means. The mechanical fastening means may be engageable by folding the flexible crossbar member. For instance, the mechanical fastening means may comprise a hook and loop fastening means such as Velcro® or one or more press stud snap fasteners. The mechanical fastening means may comprise a clip or a buckle such as a side release buckle.

The second user-operable length selection means associated with the frame member spanning the width of the goal may comprise, for example, one or more telescopic portions of the frame member. The second-user operable length selection means associated with the frame member spanning the width of the goal may comprise a spring locking button mechanism.

The goal may be configured such that it can adopt a plurality of discrete heights. The goal may be configured such that the height is adjustable to adopt any value within a range of values.

The first user-operable length selection means associated with the first flexible post member may comprise a mechanical fastening means or a magnetic fastening means. The first user-operable length selection means associated with the first flexible post member may comprise at least one loop or sleeve, e.g. a plurality of spaced-apart loops or sleeves, in or on the first flexible post member and a hook or prong on the frame to engage with the loop or sleeve.

The third user-operable length selection means associated with the second flexible post member may comprise a mechanical fastening means or a magnetic fastening means. The third user-operable length selection means associated with the second flexible post member may comprise at least one loop or sleeve, e.g. a plurality of spaced-apart loops or sleeves, in or on the second flexible post member and a hook or prong on the frame to engage with the loop or sleeve.

A second aspect provides a goal for use in a ball sport such as football comprising:.

One or more of the first flexible post member, the second flexible post member and the flexible crossbar member may be foldable and/or rollable.

One or more of the first flexible post member, the second flexible post member and the flexible crossbar member may be made from a strip of material.

The strip of material may comprise a fabric and/or a polymeric material. One or more of the strips of material may have a weatherproof coating or protective outer layer.

The frame may comprise a base. The base may comprise the or a rear frame member having a length from a first end to a second end.

The base may comprise a first side frame member connected to the rear frame member and extending forwards from the first end of the rear frame member. The base may comprise a second side frame member connected to the rear frame member and extending forwards from the second end of the rear frame member.

The frame may comprise at least one pole receiving sleeve connected to the first side frame member and extending upwards therefrom. The frame may comprise a semi-rigid pole having a lower end received in the or each pole receiving sleeve connected to the first side frame member.

The frame may comprise at least one pole receiving sleeve connected to the second side frame member and extending upwards therefrom. The frame may comprise a semi-rigid pole having a lower end received in the or each pole receiving sleeve connected to the second side frame member.

The or each semi-rigid pole may be capable of flexing. One or more of the semi-rigid poles may be a fibreglass pole.

A corner of the net may be attached to an upper end of each semi-rigid pole.

A third aspect provides a kit of parts arranged to be assembled into a goal according to the first aspect or a goal according to the second aspect.

By providing a goal having a frame and a net assembly that are arranged to complimentarily adjust a width between a lower bound and an upper bound, and/or a height between a lower bound and an upper bound, a goal with one or more adjustable dimensions may be provided. The goal can adopt any one of a number of goal sizes. In addition, a lightweight goal that can be easily assembled and disassembled at a site of use may be provided, which may allow for easier storage and/or transportation.

Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features of any of the above-described aspects may be employed mutatis mutandis in any of the other above-described aspects.

Referring to the Figures, in particular <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown an example of a football goal <NUM>.

As will be described in more detail herein, the football goal <NUM> has an adjustable width and an adjustable height. In the illustrated example, the football goal <NUM> is adjustable such that the football goal can adopt a plurality of discrete heights (e.g. a lower height and a higher height) and a plurality of discrete widths (e.g. a smaller width and a bigger width), depending upon user requirements at a given time.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the football goal <NUM> in a first configuration, wherein the football goal <NUM> has the smaller width and the lower height.

<FIG> show the football goal <NUM> in a second configuration, wherein the football goal <NUM> has the bigger width and the lower height.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the football goal <NUM> in a third configuration, wherein the football goal <NUM> has the smaller width and the higher height.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the football goal <NUM> in a fourth configuration, wherein the football goal <NUM> has the bigger width and the higher height.

The football goal <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> and a net assembly <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> made up of a rear frame member <NUM> having a length from a first end to a second end. The length of the rear frame member <NUM> corresponds to the width of the football goal <NUM>. As will be described later, the length of the rear frame member <NUM> is adjustable.

The base <NUM> comprises a first side frame member <NUM> connected to the rear frame member <NUM> and extending forwards from the first end of the rear frame member <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first side frame member <NUM> is perpendicular to the rear frame member <NUM>.

The base <NUM> comprises a second side frame member <NUM> connected to the rear frame member <NUM> and extending forwards from the first end of the rear frame member <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the second side frame member <NUM> is perpendicular to the rear frame member <NUM>.

The first side frame member <NUM> and the second side frame member <NUM> are the same length as each other. The length of the first side frame member <NUM> and the second side frame member <NUM> corresponds to the depth of the football goal <NUM>.

The rear frame member <NUM>, the first side frame member <NUM> and the second side frame member <NUM> all lie on the ground and form three sides of a rectangle. The rear frame member <NUM>, the first side frame member <NUM> and the second side frame member <NUM> are all rigid. The rear frame member <NUM>, the first side frame member <NUM> and the second side frame member <NUM> typically may be made from a metal such as steel.

The base <NUM> may have sufficient weight and rigidity to stabilise the football goal <NUM>, in use. There may be no need, for example, to hold the base <NUM> in place using pegs or weights or the like.

The frame <NUM> comprises a first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> and a second pole receiving sleeve <NUM> connected to the first side frame member <NUM>. The second pole receiving sleeve <NUM> is connected to the first side frame member <NUM> at the point where the first side frame member <NUM> is connected to the first end of the rear frame member <NUM>. The first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> is connected to the first side frame member <NUM> at a point a short distance forward of the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The second pole receiving sleeve <NUM> extends in an upward, outward and rearward direction from the first side frame member <NUM>. The first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> extends in a an upward, outward and forward direction from the first side frame member <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a third pole receiving sleeve <NUM> and a fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM> connected to the second side frame member <NUM>. The fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM> is connected to the second side frame member <NUM> at the point where the second side frame member <NUM> is connected to the second end of the rear frame member <NUM>. The third pole receiving sleeve <NUM> is connected to the second side frame member <NUM> at a point a short distance forward of the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM> extends in an upward, outward and rearward direction from the second side frame member <NUM>. The third pole receiving sleeve <NUM> extends in a an upward, outward and forward direction from the second side frame member <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a first semi-rigid pole <NUM>. A lower end of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> is received in the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a second semi-rigid pole <NUM>. A lower end of the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> is received in the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a third semi-rigid pole <NUM>. A lower end of the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> is received in the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises a fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM>. A lower end of the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> is received in the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The first semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the second semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> are all capable of flexing. The first semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the second semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> may each be a fibreglass pole. Due to their being capable of flexing, the first semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the second semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM>, may help to absorb, in use, the impact of a ball hitting a part of the football goal <NUM>. Also, the ability of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the second semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> to flex helps when adjusting the height of the football goal, as described below.

The net assembly <NUM> comprises a net <NUM>. When the football goal <NUM> is assembled, the net <NUM> is attached along edges thereof to the rear frame member <NUM>, the first side frame member <NUM> and the second side frame member <NUM>. A corner of the net <NUM> is attached to an upper end of each one of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the second semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM>.

The net assembly <NUM> comprises a first flexible post member <NUM> and a second flexible post member <NUM>, each of the first flexible post member <NUM> and the second flexible post member <NUM> being attached to an edge of the net <NUM>, and a flexible crossbar member <NUM> attached to another edge of the net <NUM> and extending from an upper end of the first flexible post member <NUM> to an upper end of the second flexible post member <NUM>.

The first flexible post member <NUM> is attached to a forward end of the first side frame member <NUM>. The second flexible post member <NUM> is attached a forward end of the second side frame member <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> holds the net assembly <NUM> in tension such that the football goal <NUM> has an opening defined by the first flexible post member <NUM>, the second flexible post member <NUM> and the flexible crossbar member <NUM> with the net <NUM> arranged behind the opening to catch, in use, any balls passing through the opening.

The rear frame member <NUM> is offset from and parallel to the flexible crossbar member <NUM>.

One or more of the first flexible post member <NUM>, the second flexible post member <NUM> and the flexible crossbar member <NUM> may be made from a strip of material. One or more of the strips of material may be foldable and/or rollable. One or more of the strips of material may comprise a fabric and/or a polymer. One or more of the strips of material may have a weatherproof coating or protective outer layer.

When disassembled, the football goal <NUM> may be stored in a container such as a box or a bag. The football goal <NUM> may be relatively lightweight and may be relatively compact when disassembled. Hence, the football goal <NUM> may be portable, e.g. from one site of use to another site of use, and/or may be relatively easy to store and/or transport.

In implementations, the rear frame member <NUM> may comprise one or more hinges to enable the rear frame member <NUM> to be folded when disassembling the football goal <NUM>.

One or more of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the second semi-rigid pole <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> may be configured such that it/they can be folded, e.g. in half or in thirds, when the football goal <NUM> is disassembled.

As noted above, the football goal <NUM> has an adjustable width and an adjustable height.

The flexible crossbar member <NUM> has a first user-operable length selection means and a second user-operable length selection means associated therewith, each one of the first user-operable length selection means and the second user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> and secure the flexible crossbar member <NUM> at a user-selected length. The rear frame member <NUM> has a third user-operable length selection means and a fourth user-operable length selection means associated therewith, each one of the third user-operable length selection means and the fourth user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the rear frame member <NUM> and secure the rear frame member <NUM> at a user-selected length. Thus, a width of the football goal <NUM> may be adjusted, in use, by corresponding adjustments of one or more of the user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> and one or more of the user-operable length selection means associated with the rear frame member <NUM>, thereby changing the respective lengths of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> and the rear frame member <NUM>.

The first flexible post member <NUM> has a fifth user-operable length selection means associated therewith, the fifth user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the first flexible post member <NUM> and secure the first flexible post member <NUM> at a user-selected length.

The first semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> each have a user-operable length selection means associated therewith, each one of the user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> or the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> that is received in the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> or the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, respectively.

The second flexible post member <NUM> has a sixth user-operable length selection means associated therewith, the sixth user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the second flexible post member <NUM> and secure the second flexible post member <NUM> at a user-selected length.

The third semi-rigid pole <NUM> and the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> each have a user-operable length selection means associated therewith, each one of the user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> or the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> that is received in the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> or the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, respectively.

Thus, a height of the football goal <NUM> may be adjusted, in use, by corresponding adjustments of the user-operable length selection means associated with the first and second flexible post member <NUM>, <NUM> and the user-operable length selection means associated with the first, second, third and fourth semi-rigid poles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby changing the respective lengths of the first and second flexible post members <NUM>, <NUM> and the length of the first, second, third and fourth semi-rigid poles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> received in each of the first, second, third and fourth pole receiving sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the width adjustment of the example football goal <NUM> will now be described.

The net <NUM> is attached to the upper end of each semi-rigid pole by a loop of fabric. For example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> a loop of fabric <NUM> attaches the net <NUM> to the upper end of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM>. The top edges of the net <NUM> are defined by seams to help the net <NUM> maintain its desired shape.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> show the operation of a first user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM>.

On a first side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM>, there is a pair of studs 123a, 123b and a pair of stud receiving formations 122a, 122b configured to receive the studs 123a, 123b. Together, the pair of studs 123a, 123b and the stud receiving formations 122a, 122b constitute a pair of press stud snap fasteners.

When reducing the width of the football goal, the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is folded back on itself such that the pair of studs 123a, 123b are pressed into the pair of stud receiving formations 122a, 122b. This operation and the resulting arrangement is shown most clearly in <FIG>, <FIG>. When the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is unfolded, the pair of studs 123a, 123b are disengaged from the pair of stud receiving formations 122a, 122b and the flexible crossbar member <NUM> adopts a longer length. When the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is unfolded, the first side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is a forward-facing side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM>.

A side release buckle <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) is provided on a second side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM>, the second side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> being opposite the first side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM>. The second side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is a rear-facing side of the flexible crossbar member <NUM>. The side release buckle <NUM> is configured such that it can be closed when the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is folded back on itself such that the pair of studs 123a, 123b are pressed into the pair of stud receiving formations 122a, 122b. The side release buckle <NUM> thus acts to keep the flexible crossbar member <NUM> neat when the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is folded.

When the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is unfolded and the pair of studs 123a, 123b are disengaged from the pair of stud receiving formations 122a, 122b, the side release buckle <NUM> is open.

Referring to <FIG>, a second user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> can be seen. The second user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is located relatively close to the point where the flexible crossbar member <NUM> meets the second flexible post member <NUM>. The first user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is located relatively close to the point where the flexible crossbar member <NUM> meets the first flexible post member <NUM>.

The arrangement and operation of the second user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> is identical to that of the first user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> discussed above. Like features are indicated with the same reference numerals, but with a prime (').

<FIG> show the flexible crossbar member <NUM> in an unfolded state, in which a pair of studs 123a', 123b' is not in engagement with a pair of stud receiving formations 122a', 122b' and a side release buckle <NUM>' is open.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a portion of the rear frame member <NUM>. The rear frame member <NUM> is telescopic in part and comprises a spring locking button mechanism <NUM>. The spring locking button mechanism <NUM> is an example of a user-operable length selection means configured to enable adjustments of the length of the rear frame member <NUM> corresponding with the adjustments of the length of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> enabled by the one or more user-operable selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM>.

As illustrated, the spring locking button mechanism <NUM> may be configured such that the spring locking button mechanism <NUM> protrudes from the rear frame member <NUM> in a rearward direction.

For example, the rear frame member <NUM> may comprise a first user-operable length selection means and a second user-operable length selection means, to provide, in use, length adjustment of the rear frame member <NUM> corresponding to the length adjustment of the flexible crossbar member <NUM> provided by the first user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM> and the second user-operable length selection means associated with the flexible crossbar member <NUM>, respectively.

It will be appreciated that the press stud snap fasteners, the side release buckle and/or the spring locking button mechanisms are simply examples of suitable mechanisms for facilitating width adjustment of the football goal. Other suitable mechanisms will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the adjustment of the height of the football goal <NUM> will be described.

Referring to <FIG>, the first flexible post member <NUM> comprises near a lower end a first sleeve 127a extending laterally across a rear surface thereof. A second sleeve 127b extending laterally across the rear surface of the first flexible post member <NUM> is located a distance along the first flexible post member <NUM> from the first sleeve 127a. A prong <NUM> extends from a forward end of the first side frame member <NUM>. The prong <NUM> is configured to be received in the first sleeve 127a or the second sleeve 127b, depending upon the desired length of the first flexible post member <NUM> for adjusting the height of the football goal <NUM>. In <FIG>, the prong <NUM> is received in the first sleeve 127a. When reducing the height of the football goal <NUM>, the prong <NUM> is received in the second sleeve 127b instead of the first sleeve 127a.

Referring to <FIG>, the second flexible post member <NUM> comprises near a lower end a first sleeve 127a' extending laterally across a rear surface thereof. A second sleeve 127b' extending laterally across the rear surface of the second flexible post member <NUM> is located a distance along the second flexible post member <NUM> from the first sleeve 127a'. A prong <NUM>' extends from a forward end of the second side frame member <NUM>. The prong <NUM>' is configured to be received in the first sleeve 127a' or the second sleeve 127b', depending upon the desired length of the second flexible post member <NUM> for adjusting the height of the football goal <NUM>. In <FIG>, the prong <NUM>' is received in the second sleeve 127b'. When increasing the height of the football goal <NUM>, the prong <NUM>' is received in the first sleeve 127b' instead of the second sleeve 127a'.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the corresponding adjustment of the height of the frame <NUM> of the football goal <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> show the lower end of the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> received in the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> and the lower end of the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> received in the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

A first pin 129a is inserted through a first pair of apertures in opposing sides of the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> such that the first pin 129a extends through the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. The first pin 129a prevents the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> from extending any further into the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

A second pin 129b is inserted through a first pair of apertures in opposing sides of the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM> such that the second pin 129b extends through the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. The second pin 129b prevents the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> from extending any further into the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

To decrease the height of the frame <NUM>, the first pin 129a is removed from the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> and the second pin 129b is removed from the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. Hence, the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> can extend further into the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> and the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> can extend further into the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, thereby reducing the height of the frame <NUM>.

The first pin 129a may be insertable through a second pair of apertures in opposing sides of the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM> such that the first pin 129a extends through the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. The second pair of apertures is spaced from the first pair of apertures in a direction towards the first side frame member <NUM>. When the first pin 129a is inserted through the second pair of apertures in opposing sides of the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, the first pin 129a prevents the first semi-rigid pole <NUM> from extending any further into the first pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The second pin 129b may be insertable through a second pair of apertures in opposing sides of the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM> such that the second pin 129b extends through the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. The second pair of apertures is spaced from the first pair of apertures in a direction towards the first side frame member <NUM>. When the second pin 129b is inserted through the second pair of apertures in opposing sides of the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, the second pin 129b prevents the second semi-rigid pole <NUM> from extending any further into the second pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

The football goal <NUM> is configured such that the height adjustment of the frame <NUM> corresponds with the height adjustment of the first flexible post member <NUM>.

<FIG> show the lower end of the third semi-rigid pole <NUM> received in the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM> and the lower end of the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> received in the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>.

Also shown in <FIG> are a third pin 129c and a fourth pin 129d. The third pin 129c is configured to be inserted through a pair of apertures in opposing sides of the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM> (see <FIG>) such that the third pin 129c extends through the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. One or more such pairs of apertures are present at spaced-apart locations along the length of the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. When the third pin 129c is inserted through one of the pairs of apertures in opposing sides of the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, the third semi-rigid pole <NUM><NUM> is prevented from extending any further into the third pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. The fourth pin 129d is configured to be inserted through a pair of apertures in opposing sides of the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM> (see <FIG>) such that the fourth pin 129d extends through the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. One or more such pairs of apertures are present at spaced-apart locations along the length of the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. When the fourth pin 129d is inserted through one of the pairs of apertures in opposing sides of the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>, the fourth semi-rigid pole <NUM> is prevented from extending any further into the fourth pole receiving sleeve <NUM>. In this way, the height of the frame <NUM> may be increased.

Further configurations of other widths and heights are envisaged. The configurations are not limited to the configurations given above. In addition to the embodiments disclosed above, it is further envisaged that the football goal may comprise, for example, three width adjustment positions, in combination with two height adjustment positions, i.e. the lower bound and the upper bound, to provide six configurations. Furthermore, it is further envisaged, for example, that the football goal may comprise three width adjustment positions and three height adjustment positions, to provide nine configurations. Any combination of a discrete number of width adjustment positions and/or height adjustment positions are also envisaged, such as: three by four, three by five, four by three, five by three, four by four, five by five, etc..

Any suitable user-operable length selection means or combination of user-operable length selection means may be used, to provide the width adjustment of the football goal and/or the height adjustment of the football goal.

In implementations, the football goal may be configured such that the width is adjustable to adopt any value within a range of values, as opposed to a plurality of discrete values.

In implementations, the football goal may be configured such that the height is adjustable to adopt any value within a range of values, as opposed to a plurality of discrete values.

The adjustable football goal may be suitable for other sports, such as, hockey and handball.

Claim 1:
A goal for use in a ball sport such as football comprising:
a net assembly comprising:
a net;
a first flexible post member and a second flexible post member, each of the first flexible post member and the second flexible post member attached to an edge of the net, and a flexible crossbar member attached to another edge of the net and extending from an upper end of the first flexible post member to an upper end of the second flexible post member; and
a frame comprising one or more frame members configured to hold the net assembly in tension to form a goal having an opening defined by the first flexible post member, the second flexible post member and the flexible crossbar member with the net behind the opening to catch, in use, any balls passing through the opening;
wherein:
the flexible crossbar member has a first user-operable length selection means associated therewith, the first user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the flexible crossbar member and secure the flexible crossbar member at a user-selected length; and
the frame comprises a frame member spanning a width of the goal, wherein the frame member has a second user-operable length selection means associated therewith, the second user-operable length selection means being operable to adjust a length of the frame member and secure the frame member at a user-selected length;
wherein a width of the goal is adjustable, in use, by corresponding adjustments of the first user-operable length selection means and the second user-operable length selection means, thereby changing the respective lengths of the flexible crossbar member and the frame member spanning the width of the goal.