Collapsible Portable Sport Goal

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A collapsible, portable sport goal, comprising: first and second frame members that are attached at both ends of the first and second frame members to hinging elbow connectors that allow the first and second frame members to remain generally perpendicular to the other frame members connected to the same hinging elbow connectors in an open configuration and then fold in and remain generally parallel and disposed of closely adjacent to the other frame members connected to the same hinging elbow connectors in a collapsed configuration; and including third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members that are attached at one end of each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members to hinging elbow connectors that allow the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members to remain generally perpendicular to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector in an open configuration and then fold in and remain generally parallel and disposed of closely adjacent to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector in a collapsed configuration, and that are attached at the other end of each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members respectively to hinging elbow connectors that allow the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members to remain generally perpendicular to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector in an open configuration and then fold in and remain generally parallel and disposed of offset and separated from the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector to allow the first and second frame members that are being folded and collapsed in from the opposite end of the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow to occupy the space closely adjacent to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow in a collapsed configuration; wherein the internal mechanisms of the hinging elbow connectors have pivot points which are offset from the elbow as described above to accommodate frame members that would otherwise be having to occupy the same space (as in the case of longer uprights and back members) thereby allowing a more parallel orientation with the other frame members when in a collapsed orientation; wherein the internal mechanisms of the hinging elbow connectors have a cylindrical male insert which fits into a complimentary cylindrical female cavity so that axis holes within both the insert and cavity align allowing a bolt and nut inserted through the axis holes to create the pivot axis of the joint, spring washers are used between the outer surface of the cylindrical insert and cavity and the inner surfaces of the nut and bolt head respectively to apply inward force on the joint, from the “top” and adjacent but flush to the cylindrical cavity on the surface where the two complimentary sides of the hinge come together four semi-circular discs (<180° arc) that follow the arc of the circle forming the cylindrical cavity protrude above the surface with each successive semi-circular disc centered at 90° intervals from each adjacent semi-circular disc around the circle with two of the semi-circular discs being centered at those points on the circle that are on the axis of the goalpost upon which it rests and the other two semi-circular discs being centered on those points that are perpendicular to the axis of the goalpost upon which it rests, mirroring those semi-circular discs at the base of the cylindrical insert are four semi-circular cavities for the semi-circular discs to rest in when aligned in an open or collapsed configuration, when the cylindrical male insert is engaged with complimentary cylindrical female cavity with the axis holes aligned, the goalposts are either in the open or collapsed configuration of the collapsible portable sport goal, the four semi-circular discs align with and are inserted into the four semi-circular cavities, thereby causing the goal and goalposts to tend to remain in an open or collapsed position, as the case may be when the spring washers are engaged and applying inward force; wherein the collapsible portable sport goal has an open configuration in which the frame members define a goal mouth that rests generally upright upon the ground to receive a ball or puck into the net and a collapsed configuration in which all of the frame members are generally parallel and disposed adjacently; and wherein the collapsible portable sport goal is adapted to be folded from the open configuration to the collapsed configuration, and unfolded from the collapsed configuration to the open configuration, while the plurality of frame members remain connected and intact.

2. A collapsible, portable sport goal, comprising: first and second frame members that are attached at both ends of the first and second frame members to hinging elbow connectors that allow the first and second frame members to remain generally perpendicular to the other frame members connected to the same hinging elbow connectors in an open configuration and then fold in and remain generally parallel and disposed of closely adjacent to the other frame members connected to the same hinging elbow connectors in a collapsed configuration; and including third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members that are attached at one end of each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members to hinging elbow connectors that allow the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members to remain generally perpendicular to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector in an open configuration and then fold in and remain generally parallel and disposed of closely adjacent to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector in a collapsed configuration, and that are attached at the other end of each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members respectively to hinging elbow connectors that allow the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frame members to remain generally perpendicular to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector in an open configuration and then fold in and remain generally parallel and disposed of offset and separated from the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow connector to allow the first and second frame members that are being folded and collapsed in from the opposite end of the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow to occupy the space closely adjacent to the other frame member connected to the same hinging elbow in a collapsed configuration.

3. The collapsible, portable sport goal of claim 2, wherein the internal mechanisms of the hinging elbow connectors have a cylindrical male insert which fits into a complimentary cylindrical female cavity so that axis holes within both the insert and cavity align allowing a bolt and nut inserted through the axis holes to create the pivot axis of the joint, spring washers are used between the outer surface of the cylindrical insert and cavity and the inner surfaces of the nut and bolt head respectively to apply inward force on the joint, from the “top” and adjacent but flush to the cylindrical cavity on the surface where the two complimentary sides of the hinge come together four semi-circular discs (<180° arc) that follow the arc of the circle forming the cylindrical cavity protrude above the surface with each successive semi-circular disc centered at 90° intervals from each adjacent semi-circular disc around the circle with two of the semi-circular discs being centered at those points on the circle that are on the axis of the goalpost upon which it rests and the other two semi-circular discs being centered on those points that are perpendicular to the axis of the goalpost upon which it rests, mirroring those semi-circular discs at the base of the cylindrical insert are four semi-circular cavities for the semi-circular discs to rest in when aligned in an open or collapsed configuration, when the cylindrical male insert is engaged with complimentary cylindrical female cavity with the axis holes aligned, the goalposts are either in the open or collapsed configuration of the collapsible portable sport goal, the four semi-circular discs align with and are inserted into the four semi-circular cavities, thereby causing the goal and goalposts to tend to remain in an open or collapsed position, as the case may be when the spring washers are engaged and applying inward force.

4. The collapsible, portable sport goal of claim 2, wherein the internal mechanisms of the hinging elbow connectors have pivot points which are offset from the elbow as described above to accommodate frame members that would otherwise be having to occupy the same space (as in the case of longer uprights and back members) thereby allowing a more parallel orientation with the other frame members when in a collapsed orientation.

5. The collapsible, portable sport goal of claim 2, wherein frame members are divided into smaller lengths by the inclusion of a hinging centerpiece which accommodates two parts of the same frame member from each side respectively and acts as a bridge between those two portions to continue the linear orientation and trajectory of the frame member to create one whole frame member (goal post, cross bar or back member) and where that same frame member can be folded and collapsed around the hinging centerpiece which allows for longer frame members of larger goals to be collapsed more compactly for easier transport and storage as well as to allow for collapsion of a goal that has a rectangular or square goal mouth and a different goal base (e.g. a triangular shaped base as in the case of traditional lacrosse goals) while maintaining its shape and withstanding rigorous play when in an open configuration.

6. The collapsible, portable sport goal of claim 2, wherein the frame members have a circular cross section.

7. The collapsible, portable sport goal of claim 2, wherein the frame members have a rectangular cross section.

8. A collapsible, portable sport goal, comprising: a plurality of frame members connected by a plurality of hinging elbow connectors; wherein the collapsible portable sport goal has an open configuration in which the frame members are connected by the hinging elbow connectors to define a goal mouth that rests generally upright upon the ground to receive a ball or puck into the goal mouth and a collapsed configuration in which all of the frame members are folded around the hinging elbow connectors and disposed generally parallel; and wherein the collapsible portable sport goal is adapted to be folded from the open configuration to the collapsed configuration, and unfolded from the collapsed configuration to the open configuration, while the plurality of frame members remain connected and intact.

9. The collapsible, portable sport goal of claim 8, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises one or more longest frame members, and wherein the collapsible, portable sport goal, in the collapsed configuration, is sized to fit completely within a carry bag that has a length not more than about 5% greater than a length of the one or more longest frame members and a cross sectional area of not more than about 80 square inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label is associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing illustrating a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing illustrating a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in a partially collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing illustrating a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in a totally collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional drawing illustrating an offset hinge joint of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional drawing illustrating a flush hinge joint of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional drawing illustrating the interaction between a flush hinge joint and an offset hinge joint of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded sectional drawing illustrating the inner mechanism of the hinge joints of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded sectional drawing illustrating the outer portion of the hinge joints of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional drawing illustrating an alternate embodiment of the inner mechanism of a hinge joint of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded sectional drawing illustrating the outer portion of an alternate embodiment of a hinge joint of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded sectional drawing illustrating the inner mechanism of the goalpost folding hinge of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional drawing illustrating the outer portion of the goalpost folding hinge of a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective drawing illustrating a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective drawing illustrating a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in a partially collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective drawing illustrating a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in a totally collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective drawing illustrating the backside of a frame for a collapsible, portable sport goal, in a totally collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0031] While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few exemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one of skill in the art to practice such embodiments. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0032] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that other embodiments of the present may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, certain structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. Several embodiments are described herein, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described embodiment should be considered essential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features.

[0033] Certain embodiments provide sport goals. In an aspect, some of these sports goals are collapsible and/or portable. In some novel configurations, a collapsible, portable sport goal (“CPSG”) might be collapsible into an easily-carried configuration without any need to disassemble the frame of the goal. In another configuration, a sports goal might have members that attach using a novel hinging mechanism that allows for the easy and compact collapsion of the CPSG. In yet another configuration, a sports goal might have a novel inline hinging extension mechanism allowing longer goal frame members and thereby larger goals to be collapsed down more compactly for easier transport and storage. Thus, various embodiments can provide numerous improvements over existing sports goals. Moreover, many of the innovations developed in conjunction with the sports goals described herein can be applied in a number of different contexts, so embodiments should not be considered limited merely to sports goals.

[0034] In some embodiments, a CPSG can fit into a bag that can be carried by one person and easily stored. The CPSG can be very sturdy with joints that are designed to stay in its then current configuration so that it can withstand rigorous use as well as maintain its compact collapsion for easier transport. In some cases, the CPSG consists of tubes, which make up the goalposts, the cross-bars, and the back members of the CPSG, and hinging elbow joints that are offset to enable upright and durable use will also enabling the plurality of frame members to collapse into a generally parallel group for transport and storage. In an aspect, the hinge joints are designed to tend to stay in its then current configuration while also being easily transformed between an open and a collapsed configuration to make it easy to set up and break down.

[0035] Thus, certain embodiments can provide numerous advantages. Merely by way of example, in some aspects, a CPSG can be more easily set up and/or broken down. In other aspects, a CPSG can maintain its shape during game play even though it is easily broken down and collapsed when desired. In yet other aspects, a CPSG can be made from sturdy, hard-wearing material and/or can have a more sturdy means of holding its then current configuration so that it will last longer and hold its shape better under rigorous use. In further aspects, a CPSG can collapse down to be more compact to be easily transported and/or easily stored.

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts a front side elevated perspective view of the Collapsible Portable Sport Goal-10 without a net attached. Two Crossbars-12 and four Uprights/Back Members-14 either have a Flush Hinge Joint-16 or an Offset Hinge Joint-18 at each junction with adjacent Goalposts-12 and 14.

[0037] FIG. 2 depicts the Collapsible Portable Sport Goal-10 with the Flush Hinge Joints-16 located where the uprights meet the back members folded over so that the back of the goal face is flat against the top of the goal base, thereby resulting in the goal lying collapsed down flat so that (1) the two Crosshars-12 and each adjacent pair of Uprights/Back Members-14 are generally parallel and against one another; (2) the two Flush Hinge Joints-16—where the Uprights/Back Members-14 meet the Crossbars-12—are directly next to each other; and (3) the two Offset Hinge Joints-18—where the Uprights/Back Members-14 meet the Crossbars-12—are directly next to each other.

[0038] FIG. 3 depicts the Collapsible Portable Sports Goal-10 with the Flush Hinge Joints-16 connected to the Crossbars-12 folded so that those Uprights/Back Members-14 are close to parallel to and flush against the Crossbars-12 and also the Offset Hinge Joints-18 connected to the Crossbars-12 folded so that those Uprights/Back Members-14 are close to parallel to the Uprights/Back Members-14 folded inside with the Flush Hinge Joints-16. This depiction shows the Collapsible Portable Sports Goal in its most compact collapsed configuration.

[0039] FIG. 4 depicts an Offset Hinge Joint-18 in two configurations. The configuration on the left depicts the hinge as open where the Upright/Back Member-14 is perpendicular to the adjacent Crossbar-12. The configuration on the right depicts the hinge as folded where the Upright/Back Member-14 is parallel to the adjacent Crossbar-12. This figure demonstrates that there is space between the Upright/Back Member-14 and the Crossbar-12 when the Offset Hinge Joint-18 is in the folded closed position.

[0040] FIG. 5 depicts a Flush Hinge Joint-16 in two configurations. The configuration on the right depicts the hinge as open where the Upright/Back Member-14 is perpendicular to the adjacent Crossbar-12 or Upright/Back Member-14. The configuration on the left depicts the hinge as folded where the Upright/Back Member-14 is parallel to the adjacent Crossbar-12 or Upright/Back Member-14. This figure demonstrates that there is little to no space between the adjacent goalposts when the Flush Hinge Joint-16 is in the folded closed position.

[0041] FIG. 6 depicts the interaction between the Flush Hinge Joint-16 and Offset Hinge Joint-18. This figure demonstrates how the Goalpost folded over with the Flush Hinge Joint-16 fits inside the Goalpost folded over with the Offset Hinge Joint-18 allowing the goalposts to be generally parallel and allowing for more compact collapsion.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a detail of the inside of the mechanical portion of both the Flush Hinge Joint-16 and Offset Hinge Joint-18. The Hinge Insert-20 fits into the Hinge Cavity-22 so that the Axis Hole-24 on the Hinge Insert-20 aligns with the Axis Hole-24 on the Hinge Cavity-22 so that a Bolt-26 can be inserted through the Axis Holes-24 thereby creating a pivot point around which the joint can rotate. The Bolt-26 is also inserted through Spring Washers-28 on the outside of the Hinge Insert-20 and Hinge Cavity-22 and into a complimentary Nut-30. At the “top” and on the outside of the Hinge Cavity-22 on the surface where the two sides of the hinge come together are four semi-circular discs (<180° arc) Resistance Knobs-32 that follow the arc of the circle forming the Hinge Cavity-22 with each successive Resistance Knob-32 centered at 90° intervals from each adjacent Resistance Knob-32 around the circle with two Resistance Knobs-32 being centered at those points on the circle that are on the axis of the goalpost upon which it rests and the other two Resistance Knobs-32 being centered on those points that are perpendicular to the axis of the goalpost upon which it rests. Mirroring the Resistance Knobs-32 on the same orientation of the axis of the goalpost upon which it is situation at the base of the Hinge Insert-20 are four Knob Receptacles-34, which are cavities for the Resistance Knobs-32 to rest in when aligned in an open or collapsed configuration. When the Hinge Insert-20 is engaged with the Hinge Cavity-22, the Axis Holes-24 align, the goalposts are either in an open or collapsed configuration, then the Resistance Knobs-32 align with and are inserted into the Knob Receptacles-34, thereby causing the goal and goalposts to tend to remain in an open or collapsed position, as the case may be. When the Nut-30 is tightened down onto the Bolt-26 the Spring Washers-28 are compressed and provide inward pressure on the two parts of the hinge thereby increasing the power with which the Resistance Knobs-32 resist rotating out from either the open or collapsed position, as the case may be. The amount of spring force in the Spring Washers-28 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the ease or difficulty of rotating the goalposts.

[0043] FIG. 8 depicts a detail of the outside of the mechanical portion of both the Flush Hinge Joint-16 and Offset Hinge Joint-18. The Axis Holes-24 from each respective side of the hinge align with each other so that a Bolt-26 can be inserted through them thereby creating a pivot point around which the joint can rotate. The Bolt-26 is also inserted through Spring Washers-28 on the outside of the Hinge Insert-20 and Hinge Cavity-22 respectively and into a complimentary Nut-30. There is a cavity in which the head of the Bolt-26 or Nut-30 and the Spring Washer-28 fit into so as not to protrude beyond the outer surface of the goalpost and hinge.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a detail of an alternate configuration of the inside of the mechanical portion of both the Flush Hinge Joint-16 and Offset Hinge Joint-18 wherein the goalposts are held fast in a static open or collapsed position. The Hinge Insert-20 fits into the Hinge Cavity-22 so that the Axis Hole-24 on the Hinge Insert-20 aligns with the Axis Hole-24 on the Hinge Cavity-22 so that a Shoulder Bolt-38 can be inserted through the Axis Holes-24 thereby creating a pivot point around which the joint can rotate. A Spring Pin-40 is embedded in that part of the hinge that also has the Hinge Cavity-22, which spring pin aligns with either the Open Locking Hole-42 when the CPSG is in an open configuration or the Collapsed Locking Hole-44 when the CPSG is in a collapsed configuration. When the Spring Pin-40 is engaged with the Open Locking Hole-42 the CPSG is in the open configuration, and disengaging the Spring Pin-40 from the Open Locking Hole-42 the hinge can then be converted to the collapsed configuration by rotating the hinge and aligning the Spring Pin-40 with the Collapsed Locking Hole-44.

[0045] FIG. 10 depicts a detail of the outside of the alternative mechanical portion of both the Flush Hinge Joint-16 and Offset Hinge Joint-18. The Axis Holes-24 from each respective side of the hinge align with each other so that a Shoulder Bolt-38 can be inserted through them thereby creating a pivot point around which the joint can rotate. There is a cavity in which the head of the Bolt-26 or Nut-30 fit into so as not to protrude beyond the outer surface of the goalpost and hinge.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a detail of the mechanical portion of the Goalpost Folding Hinge-36. Just as with the Flush Hinge Joint-16 and Offset Hinge Joint-18, the Hinge Insert-20 fits into the Hinge Cavity-22 so that the Axis Holes-24 align. As can be seen in the figure, there are two goalposts each with a Hinge Insert-20 coming in from opposite sides of Hinge Cavity Centerpiece-36. The Hinge Cavity Centerpiece-36 has two Hinge Cavitys-22 to either side to receive a Hinge Insert-20. When the Hinge Insert-20 is engaged with the Hinge Cavity-22, the Axis Holes-24 align, the goalposts are either in an open or collapsed configuration, then the Resistance Knobs-32 align with and are inserted into the Knob Receptacles-34 tending to hold the goal and goalposts in either the open or folded and collapsed position so that the goalpost tubes extending on either side of the Hinge Cavity Centerpiece-36 are brought next to and parallel to each other. The Hinge Inserts-20 rotate 90° within the Hinge Cavitys-22 between alignment in an open position and collapsed position. The force with which the Resistance Knobs-32 resist rotating is adjustable with differing Spring Washers-28. Again, other possible designs include locking mechanisms that hold the goalposts fast in a static open or collapsed position, which then can be easily disengaged and reengaged between the open and collapsed positions for easy set up or collapsion.

[0047] FIG. 12 depicts a detail of the outside of the mechanical portion of Goalpost Folding Hinge-36. The Axis Holes-24 from each respective side of the hinge align with each other so that a Bolt-26 can be inserted through them thereby creating a pivot point around which the joint can rotate. The Bolt-26 is also inserted through Spring Washers-28 on the outside of the Hinge Insert-20 and Hinge Cavity-22 respectively and into a complimentary Nut-30. There is a cavity in which the head of the Bolt-26 or Nut-30 and the Spring Washer-28 fit into so as not to protrude beyond the outer surface of the goalpost and hinge.

[0048] FIG. 13 depicts the CPSG 10 with a triangle base like a standard lacrosse goal instead of a square base. In order for the goal to collapse down as compact as possible, there is a Goalpost Folding Hinge-36 in the middle of the Crossbar-12. The remaining hinges are Flush Hinge Joints-16. The Goalpost Folding Hinge-36 can also be used to make a larger goal more compactly collapsible by extending both Crossbars-12 and Uprights/Back Members-14.

[0049] FIG. 14 depicts the CPSG 10 with a triangle base in a partially collapsed state to demonstrate how the goal would collapse down and be set up.

[0050] FIG. 15 depicts the CPSG 10 with a triangle base in a completely collapsed state from a top point of view perspective to demonstrate how the goal collapses down.

[0051] FIG. 16 depicts the CPSG 10 with a triangle base in a completely collapsed state from a bottom point of view perspective to demonstrate how the goal collapses down.

[0052] It should be appreciated that, while certain features and aspects have been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications are possible. Merely by way of example, while various embodiments are described with—or without—certain features for ease of description and to illustrate exemplary aspects of those embodiments, the various components and/or features described herein with respect to a particular embodiment can be substituted, added and/or subtracted from among other described embodiments, unless the context dictates otherwise. Consequently, although several exemplary embodiments are described above, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.