Apparatuses that each include at least one body and are configured to move relative to an entrance of goal to form an obstruction. The apparatuses either operate autonomously or have a remote operator and their bodies can be moved in coordination with players, pucks, balls or other object of interest. The apparatuses also each include a removably attachable actuating support. The actuating supports of each are mechanically linked to the body, removably attachable to goals, and in operable communication either a teleoperator or autonomous controller.

A retractable sports goal includes a base housing and a goal frame. The housing includes first and second post sections and a crossbar housing section. The goal frame includes first and second goal posts and a crossbar. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. A cover plate includes portions that surround the goal posts. Wheels may be attached to the bottom portions of the goal posts. A counter-weight may be provided to bias the goal frame towards the playing position.

This disclosure primarily concerns sports goals. In an aspect, some of these sports goals are collapsible and/or portable. In some novel configurations, a sports goal might be collapsible into an easily carried configuration without any need to disassemble its frame. In another configuration, a sports goal might have frame members that fold using a novel hinge mechanism that enables the plurality of frame members to collapse compactly. In another configuration, a sports goal might have a novel hinging extension mechanism to allow for larger goals to be more compactly collapsed for easier transport and storage or for alternate goal configurations to collapse down more compactly. In yet another configuration, a sports goal might have frame members that fold using a novel hinge mechanism that holds in its current configuration—open or collapsed—resulting in higher stability for both more rigorous play and easier transport and storage.

Methods, systems, and techniques for automatically detecting and tracking hockey goal events during hockey play are provided. Example embodiments provide an Automated Hockey Goal Detection System or goal detection system, which enables goal events during hockey play to be automatically and immediately detected and notifications generated therefor and for automatically tracking and communicating attributes of such events such as puck speed and location. Automated event information may be automatically recorded and/or communicated to other devices, such as a remote computing device, to analyze player or game effectiveness. An example goal detection system utilizes an infrared transmitting hockey puck and an infrared sensing goal frame with one or more sets of multiple infrared sensors arranged around the perimeter of the goal frame. The goal frame may include a control unit that determines the location and speed of the puck within the goal frame by evaluation of the active sensors.

A target assembly that is configured to withstand high-velocity impact from a projectile. These configurations may comprise elastic members, or “bungee” cords, that generate elastic forces to return the target assembly to its orientation prior to impact. The bungee cords are less likely to undergo inelastic deformation; so these components afford the target assembly with longer life or longevity under heavy duty cycles.

A connected hockey training system that records and generates digital displays of the position and parameters of a smart hockey puck. The system is also configured to providing training programs about which the smart hockey puck is used to track progress of those training tasks and generate a score or other statistical parameters related thereto, such as feedback on stickhandling and shooting performance.

A mobile, free standing field sport shooting target device, including a pole having a first end and a second end, wherein an opening is located at the first and second ends of the pole, a counter weight plate having a plurality of openings, wherein the counter weight plate is located adjacent to the first end of the pole, and a collar operatively connected to the first end of the pole, wherein the collar has a first end and a second end such that the counter weight plate is located adjacent to the first end of the collar and the collar is used to retain the counter weight on the first end of the pole, and wherein a distance between the first end of the pole and the second end of the collar can be adjusted.

Illustrative configurations of a collapsible net for a game play are disclosed. The collapsible net includes a plurality of net-modules, each of the plurality of net-modules including a first-type coupler adjoining a left-side edge and a second-type coupler adjoining a right-side edge of each of the plurality of net-modules. The first-type coupler is configured to engage with the second-type coupler to couple the net-modules with one another, to thereby define an expanded length of the collapsible net.

A practice target that includes: a front face; a rear face; a side face with a plurality of pockets, including first and second sets of pockets into which are disposed first and second sets of magnets. The first and second sets of magnets are identical in shape but are oriented opposite each other so that when the practice targets are stacked they have mutual attraction instead of being repelled by like magnets. The magnets include notches/cutouts/protrusions/etc. that match with similar structures in the pockets to hold them in place in the pockets. There are off-center pin holes through the magnets that make sure that they are oriented correctly during injection molding. There are netting grooves between the plurality of pockets and a tether aperture with a tether for attaching to a net.

The two-part system includes a modified hockey puck and a set of goal units that can be mounted on a hockey goal. Within the puck are light sources, motion sensors, infrared transmitters, and a power source. Within the goal units are light sources, infrared sensors, and a microcontroller. When the goal units are mounted on the hockey goal, the infrared sensors form a detection area through which the puck must pass in order to count as a goal. The infrared transmitter of the puck and the infrared sensors of the goal units communicate with one another, and when an infrared signal is received the microcontroller triggers the light sources mounted to the goal to illuminate and indicate that a goal has been scored. Additionally, both the puck and the goal units are designed to reduce power consumption by switching between a low-energy mode or an active mode of operation.