CA2168297A1 - Collapsible goal and net - Google Patents
Collapsible goal and netInfo
- Publication number
- CA2168297A1 CA2168297A1 CA 2168297 CA2168297A CA2168297A1 CA 2168297 A1 CA2168297 A1 CA 2168297A1 CA 2168297 CA2168297 CA 2168297 CA 2168297 A CA2168297 A CA 2168297A CA 2168297 A1 CA2168297 A1 CA 2168297A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- goal
- members
- fabric
- net
- collapsible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
A mesh net supporting framework for a hockey goal which is readily collapsed for transportation or storage has elongated tubular members hinged together at their respective ends and locking mechanisms at those hinges for securing the tubular members in mutually perpendicular configurations, or in collinear configurations. The locking mechanisms may comprise an elbow or a three-way fitting. The locking mechanism includes an abutment on one portion, and a cylindrical cuff on another member having a semicylindrical extension for engaging the abutment. The other member also has a semicylindrical end portion for engaging the abutment. Relative angular movement between the portions is precluded when the semicylindrical end and the semicylindrical extension are misaligned, while the portions are relatively angularly movable when the semicylindrical end and the semicylindrical extension are positioned adjacent the same semicircular portion of the abutment. The locking mechanisms are freed to collapse the goal by rotating the cuff through about one hundred eighty degrees about the other tubular member. The mesh net is suspended from the framework by net peripheral portions which encircle frame members. These peripheral portions are formed from one or more fabric sheets having a pair of opposed edges sewn together to form a fabric sleeve and including near the opposed edges, a strip of fabric having a plurality of hooks fixed thereto frequently referred to as "hook tape" for releasably supporting the remaining portion of the net.
Description
COLLAPSIBLE GOAL AND NET
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to sports goals and more especially to a relatively large goal structure which is readily collapsed for transportation or storage.
There have been numerous attempts to reduce the overall size of such a goal structure to enable it to be transported or stored. For example, U.S. Patent 3,501,150 teaches a series of separable tubular sections assembled to form a hockey goal.
These tubular sections may telescopically connect when assembled.
The object of this patent is to reduce (it does not eliminate) the amount of lacing of the net to the frame which is required when the goal is assembled for use. A recent commercial hockey goal utilizes shockcorded separable tubular sections.
In more conventional goal structures, the net is affixed by lacing it over tube sections, or by using tie wires or other lacing material to lace the net to the tubing.
U.S. Patents 3,501,150 and 3,698,715 disclose collapsible goals, but these arrangements collapse in one dimension only.
For example, a 3'x4'x5' goal may collapse to 4"x4'x5'. While flat, a 4'x5' structure is quite difficult to get, for example, into an automobile trunk for transportation. Each of these two -patented devices requires some preliminary dis-assembly, such as the removal of diagonal braces or wing nuts.
The collapsible goal of my copending application represents a significant improvement over these prior goal structures. It would be desirable to retain the advantages of my improved goal while reducing the cost and complexity thereof.
Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a collapsible goal structure similar to that of my copending application, but of reduced cost and complexity; the provision of a collapsible goal structure which collapses in two dimensions; the provision of an articulated tubular collapsible goal structure which collapses in two dimensions without the requiring any telescoping tubular members;
the provision of a collapsible goal structure which collapses without dis-assembling or removing any component part; the provision of an articulated tubular structure suitable, for example, as a frame for a collapsible goal; and the provision of a lockable hinge for joining tubular members and useful, for example, for forming an articulated tubular structure. These as well as other objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
In general, while the prior art collapses a goal structure in one dimension only, the present invention materially reduces two of the three dimensions so as to occupy no more space than a conventional golf bag.
` 216~297 -BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible sports goal in its fully expanded configuration;
Figure lA is a perspective view of the collapsible sports goal of Figure 1 with a net in place and ready for use;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the goal of Figure 1 with collapsing just commencing;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the goal of Figures 1 experiencing further collapsing;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the goal of Figure 1 as final folding (collapsing in another direction) commences;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the goal of Figure 1 in its final collapsed condition;
Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining any two tubular members and illustrated joining an elbow and a straight pipe section;
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the hinge structure of Figure 6 in its unlocked state with the tubular members collinear;
Figure 8 is an isometric view of the hinge structure of Figure 6 with the tubular members relatively pivoted to a perpendicular position;
Figure 9 is an isometric view of the hinge structure of Figure 6 in its locked state with the tubular members collinear;
Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining three elongated tubular members 21~829~
utilizing two hinge structures of the type shown in Figures 6-9;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining three mutually orthogonal elongated tubular members;
Figure 12 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining two elongated tubular members utilizing two hinge structures of the type shown in Figures 6-9;
Figure 13 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining two straight elongated tubular members; and Figure 14 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining an elongated tubular elbow and one straight elongated tubular member;
Figure 15 is an isometric view of an optional shock-corded telescoping tubular member;
Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right front corner portion of the collapsible sports goal of Figure lA
showing the net attachment technique in greater detail;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a section of hook tape of known construction as utilized in the present invention;
Figure 17A is an enlargement of a small section of the hook tape of Figure 17;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of fabric sheet joined at two opposite edges and with a section of the hook tape of Figures 17 and 17A;
Figure 19 shows an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a goal tube encircled by a fabric sleeve and coupled to a portion ~168297 of goal net; and Figure 20 is a schematic flow chart of the net assembly technique of the present invention.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawing.
The exemplifications set out herein illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention in one form thereof and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In an illustrative preferred embodiment, a collapsible hockey goal is shown in Figure 1 in its fully expanded configuration an oriented in position ready for use. The collapsible goal assembly includes the articulated elongated members 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45. In a preferred form, each of these eighteen elongated members is a hollow polyvinylchloride (PVC) tube of one to two inches in diameter. The elongated members are hingedly interconnected at their respective ends by a number of couplers 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 and 65 to facilitate movement of the assembly between expanded and collapsed configurations.
It will be noted that couplers 51, 57, 59 and 61 each serve to couple three elongated tubes together. The remaining six couplers all interconnect exactly two elongated members. Thus, an even number of couplers (four in this case) interconnect an odd number (three in this caseJ of members and the remaining - ~16~29~
couplers interconnecting an even number (two) of members.
In Figure lA, a net 111 is suspended on the goal. It will be understood that the net is implied, but has not been shown, on many of the other figures only to more clearly illustrate the goal structure. Fabric sleeves such as 113 and 115 (Figures lA
and 16) encircle certain of the elongated tubular members. Tubes 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 receive these fabric sleeves. The sleeves have sewn into them hooks such as 117 and 119 (Figure 16) which are spaced one to two inches apart and facilitate the attachment of the flexible mesh net 111. Net 111 s~l~3, drapes over, but is not attached to, members~35, 37, 39, 41, 43 ~' and 45. Fitted in this manner, the fabric sleeves and mesh net remain in place throughout expansion and collapsing of the goal.
The attachment technique allows replacement of a worn net without removing the fabric sleeves.
In Figure 15, the elongated member 45 may optionally be made to expand under certain circumstances. The optional member 45 is adapted to have two portions 105 and 107 which are movable telescopically within member 45. Members 105 and 107 abut one another (or the ends of member 45) in a collapsed condition whenever the goal structure is fully expanded or fully collapsed.
Members 105 and 107 may be joined by a shock cord 109 allowing the members to separate, for example, up to about six inches, while remaining within member 45. These members may be subjected to tension and move relative to one another during assembly or collapsing of the goal structure, but return to their abutted ~168297 -position when tension is relieved. The optional telescoping capability of member 45 allows the goal to be expanded or collapsed by a second technique. Alternatively, member 45 may be of a fixed length. If a user were expanding the goal at the stage shown in Figure 4 and attempts to raise the top members 23 and 25, the member 45 will elongate. If at this same stage, the user continues to separate the members 21 and 27 horizontally, no such telescoping is needed. Thus, the telescoping nature of this member is optional.
Turning to Figure 6, a lockable hinge mechanism is shown in an exploded isometric view and is seen to include a pair of tubular members 67 and 69 having respective ends pivotably joined as by fixed or spring loaded pins 87 and 89 for movement between generally orthogonal (Figure 8) and collinear (Figures 7 and 9) relative positions. When member 69 is joined to an elbow 93 or three-way fitting (Figures 11 and 14), the movement relative to the adjacent portion of the elbow remains between generally collinear and generally perpendicular positions, but the motion relative to the remote portion of the elbow and any tubular member (such as 15, 23 or 41) extending therefrom is between generally perpendicular and parallel positions. A locking mechanism including the cuff 71 is selectively operable to the position shown in Figure 9 to prevent relative movement of the tubular members from the collinear position to the orthogonal position. Members 17 and 93 attach by abutting with flanges 73 and 75 and held in position by spring loaded pins such as 121 and _ ~168297 123. The locking mechanism also includes the flange or abutment 73 on tubular member 69. The cylindrical cuff 71 surrounding the other tubular member 67 has a semicylindrical extension 77 for engaging the abutment 73. The other tubular member 67 also has a semicylindrical end portion 79 for engaging the abutment 73. The abutment is generally circular and comprises a radially outward cylindrical enlargement which surrounds tubular member 69.
Figure 9 shows that relative angular movement of the tubular members 67 and 69 is precluded when the semicylindrical end and the semicylindrical extension are misaligned. A radially inwardly projecting boss or pin 81 selectively engages slot ends 83 or 85 so that the cylindrical cuff 71 and tubular member 67 are relatively coaxially rotatable through a range of about 180 degrees to align or completely misalign the semicylindrical end and semicylindrical portion. Of course, the boss could be located on member 67 and the slot located near the end of cuff 71 if desired. Detents or bumps may be provided to hold the cuff in its extreme positions. A bump is shown in slot 83. Figures 7 and 8 show that the tubular members are relatively movable about the pivot pins 87 and 89 when the semicylindrical end and the semicylindrical extension are aligned and positioned adjacent the same semicircular portion of the abutment as in Figure 7.
Typically, the cuff semicylindrical portion is extends through slightly more than one hundred eighty degrees and the member 69 may be undercut slightly in the regions 70 to avoid blnding or flexing of the cuff when folded to the position of Figure 8.
- ~168297 Tubular members 67 and 69 are locked in a collinear configuration as in Figure 9 and as illustrated by members 19 and 21 in Figure 1, while locking of the elongated members such as 17 and 15 of Figure 1 must be in the mutually perpendicular position. Reference to Figures 6, 13 and 14 will resolve this conflict. Tube 69 may be inserted into a relatively short tubular portion extending from one end of a ninety degree elbow 93 the other end of which receives an elongated tubular member such as 15 is attached. Thus, elongated tubular member 15 is a third tubular member and elbow 93 rigidly connects the one short tubular member and the third tubular member 15 in an orthogonal relationship. In Figure 14, the selectively operable cuff arrangement precludes relative movement of the third tubular member 15 and other tubular member 17 (which is joined into 67 at 91 of Figure 6) from a relatively orthogonal position as shown to a relatively parallel position, however, movement between the member 17 and the adjacent tubular end of the elbow 93 is from a collinear position as shown to a perpendicular position.
More complex couplings are also possible. Figure 12 shows two hinges coupling two long members to a short stub as might be used at 63 or 65 of Figure 1. In Figure 11, a lockable hinge mechanism, for example, coupling 61 of Figure 1 has three elongated tubular members 21, 23 and 41 which have their respective ends pivotably joined for movement between a folded position with 23 perpendicular to the parallel pair 21 and 41 parallel and the expanded position with all three mutually orthogonal as shown. There is a selectively operable cuff 95 associated with one of the elongated tubular members which is operable as described in conjunction with Figures 6-9 to prevent relative movement of the elongated tubular members from the mutually orthogonal position to the parallel position.
Figure 10 shows three elongated tubular members 33, 39 and 43 having respective ends pivotably joined for movement between a first configuration as shown in which two of the elongated tubular members 33 and 39 are collinear and the third 43 is generally perpendicular to the first two. With cuffs 97 and 99 properly positioned in their unlocked condition, tubular members 33 and 39 may be pivoted to a second configuration in which the three elongated tubular members are generally parallel to one another. With the cuffs 97 and 99 in the locked position (tubes 33 and 35 in the collinear position), relative movement of the elongated tubular members from the first configuration to the second configuration is prevented. The axle formed by joining members 69 to short tube 101, to which the members 33 and 39 are pivotably attached, may simply be free to rotate within the T 103 allowing tube 43 to be pivoted to a position parallel with the other two tubular members in the collapsed condition.
Figures 17 and 17A illustrate a portion of a fabric strip supporting therealong a series of hooks such as 127 and 129.
This material is commercially available and known as "hook tape."
It is frequently used in conjunction with a second fabric strip of "eyes" in the garment industry. The hooks on this hook tape are metal and the tape should not be confused with VELCR0 which employs highly flexible fabric hooks and may be used, for example, at 131 in the present invention.
The method of affixing the net to the goal should be clear from a comparison of Figures 18, 19 and 20. From a source of fabric sheets at 131, a sheet is folded at 139 so that a pair of opposed edges are aligned with one another along the edge 133 of Figure 18 to form an elongated tubular sleeve. From a source of elongated strips of hook tape at 135, a strip such as 125 is interposed between the two sheet edges with the hooks extending beyond the fabric edges and the two edges and strip are joined as by sewing along seam 137 as indicated at 141. Of course, the hook tape could be sewn to a single fabric edge and the fabric sheet then folded and the opposed edge fastened. The step 143 of placing the sleeve of Figure 18 with its joined strip of hook tape over a portion 145 of the goal structure is illustrated in Figure 19. To accomplish this, a tube of the goal structure must have a free end. Subsequent to placing the sleeve over a member such as 145, that sleeve is captured on the goal structure as at 147, for example, by joining (or rejoining) a member such as 17 and a sleeve such as 91 both of Figure 6. Each such closing and capturing of a sleeve and its joined strip of hook tape on the goal structure increases by one, the connectivity of the goal. A
sphere has connectivity one while a torus has connectivity two.
It will be noted that the finished goal frame of Figure 1 has connectivity six. The net 111 from source 151 may now be ~168297 suspended from the joined strip of hook tape at 149 by looping sections of the edge of the net over individual hooks as shown in Figure 19 to provide the finished goal at 153 ready for use. It is contemplated that the consumer will perform step 149. In Figure 16, the fabric sleeve portions 113 and 115 may be common long strip with a cut-out region exposing elbow 161, or two sleeves may be joined as by mating pieces of VELCR0 131 at 155.
The method of setting up and of collapsing the goal according to the present invention should now also be clear. To collapse the goal from the configuration of Figure 1, all locking cuffs are rotated to the unlocked position of Figure 7. Coupler 65 is moved rearward allowing members 43 and 45 to move toward parallel as shown in Figure 2. This allows members 21 and 27 to move toward perpendicular relative to members 19 and 29. Figure 3 illustrates the end result of the movements in Figure 2 with member 43 fully parallel to member 45 and members 21 and 27 fully perpendicular to members 19 and 29. In Figure 4, members 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 33 and 39 all move inward and become parallel to one another as well as parallel to 43 and 45 which were already parallel. Figure 5 shows the goal completely collapsed. Comparing Figures 1 and 5, it is clear that in the collapsed configuration, the elongated members 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 2~, 33, 39, 43 and 45 are disposed generally parallel to one another while in the expanded configuration, those members are generally perpendicular to one another where they meet at a coupler. In Figure 5, members 21 and 27 are perpendicular to 19 and 29 while in the expanded position of Figure 1, they are collinear.
Comparing Figures 1 and 5, it will me noted that in the expanded configuration, six of the elongated members are disposed in collinear pairs 43, 45; 19, 21; and 27, 29. When changing from the expanded to the collapsed configuration, two of said collinear pairs 19, 21 and 27, 29 move from collinear to perpendicular while the remaining pair 45, 47 moves from collinear to parallel.
From the foregoing, it is now apparent that a novel collapsing goal and net fastening arrangement has been disclosed meeting the objects and advantageous features set out hereinbefore as well as others, and that numerous modifications as to the precise shapes, configurations and details may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope thereof as set out by the claims which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to sports goals and more especially to a relatively large goal structure which is readily collapsed for transportation or storage.
There have been numerous attempts to reduce the overall size of such a goal structure to enable it to be transported or stored. For example, U.S. Patent 3,501,150 teaches a series of separable tubular sections assembled to form a hockey goal.
These tubular sections may telescopically connect when assembled.
The object of this patent is to reduce (it does not eliminate) the amount of lacing of the net to the frame which is required when the goal is assembled for use. A recent commercial hockey goal utilizes shockcorded separable tubular sections.
In more conventional goal structures, the net is affixed by lacing it over tube sections, or by using tie wires or other lacing material to lace the net to the tubing.
U.S. Patents 3,501,150 and 3,698,715 disclose collapsible goals, but these arrangements collapse in one dimension only.
For example, a 3'x4'x5' goal may collapse to 4"x4'x5'. While flat, a 4'x5' structure is quite difficult to get, for example, into an automobile trunk for transportation. Each of these two -patented devices requires some preliminary dis-assembly, such as the removal of diagonal braces or wing nuts.
The collapsible goal of my copending application represents a significant improvement over these prior goal structures. It would be desirable to retain the advantages of my improved goal while reducing the cost and complexity thereof.
Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a collapsible goal structure similar to that of my copending application, but of reduced cost and complexity; the provision of a collapsible goal structure which collapses in two dimensions; the provision of an articulated tubular collapsible goal structure which collapses in two dimensions without the requiring any telescoping tubular members;
the provision of a collapsible goal structure which collapses without dis-assembling or removing any component part; the provision of an articulated tubular structure suitable, for example, as a frame for a collapsible goal; and the provision of a lockable hinge for joining tubular members and useful, for example, for forming an articulated tubular structure. These as well as other objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
In general, while the prior art collapses a goal structure in one dimension only, the present invention materially reduces two of the three dimensions so as to occupy no more space than a conventional golf bag.
` 216~297 -BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible sports goal in its fully expanded configuration;
Figure lA is a perspective view of the collapsible sports goal of Figure 1 with a net in place and ready for use;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the goal of Figure 1 with collapsing just commencing;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the goal of Figures 1 experiencing further collapsing;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the goal of Figure 1 as final folding (collapsing in another direction) commences;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the goal of Figure 1 in its final collapsed condition;
Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining any two tubular members and illustrated joining an elbow and a straight pipe section;
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the hinge structure of Figure 6 in its unlocked state with the tubular members collinear;
Figure 8 is an isometric view of the hinge structure of Figure 6 with the tubular members relatively pivoted to a perpendicular position;
Figure 9 is an isometric view of the hinge structure of Figure 6 in its locked state with the tubular members collinear;
Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining three elongated tubular members 21~829~
utilizing two hinge structures of the type shown in Figures 6-9;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining three mutually orthogonal elongated tubular members;
Figure 12 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining two elongated tubular members utilizing two hinge structures of the type shown in Figures 6-9;
Figure 13 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining two straight elongated tubular members; and Figure 14 is an isometric view of a lockable hinge structure for pivotably joining an elongated tubular elbow and one straight elongated tubular member;
Figure 15 is an isometric view of an optional shock-corded telescoping tubular member;
Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right front corner portion of the collapsible sports goal of Figure lA
showing the net attachment technique in greater detail;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a section of hook tape of known construction as utilized in the present invention;
Figure 17A is an enlargement of a small section of the hook tape of Figure 17;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of fabric sheet joined at two opposite edges and with a section of the hook tape of Figures 17 and 17A;
Figure 19 shows an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a goal tube encircled by a fabric sleeve and coupled to a portion ~168297 of goal net; and Figure 20 is a schematic flow chart of the net assembly technique of the present invention.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawing.
The exemplifications set out herein illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention in one form thereof and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In an illustrative preferred embodiment, a collapsible hockey goal is shown in Figure 1 in its fully expanded configuration an oriented in position ready for use. The collapsible goal assembly includes the articulated elongated members 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45. In a preferred form, each of these eighteen elongated members is a hollow polyvinylchloride (PVC) tube of one to two inches in diameter. The elongated members are hingedly interconnected at their respective ends by a number of couplers 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 and 65 to facilitate movement of the assembly between expanded and collapsed configurations.
It will be noted that couplers 51, 57, 59 and 61 each serve to couple three elongated tubes together. The remaining six couplers all interconnect exactly two elongated members. Thus, an even number of couplers (four in this case) interconnect an odd number (three in this caseJ of members and the remaining - ~16~29~
couplers interconnecting an even number (two) of members.
In Figure lA, a net 111 is suspended on the goal. It will be understood that the net is implied, but has not been shown, on many of the other figures only to more clearly illustrate the goal structure. Fabric sleeves such as 113 and 115 (Figures lA
and 16) encircle certain of the elongated tubular members. Tubes 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 receive these fabric sleeves. The sleeves have sewn into them hooks such as 117 and 119 (Figure 16) which are spaced one to two inches apart and facilitate the attachment of the flexible mesh net 111. Net 111 s~l~3, drapes over, but is not attached to, members~35, 37, 39, 41, 43 ~' and 45. Fitted in this manner, the fabric sleeves and mesh net remain in place throughout expansion and collapsing of the goal.
The attachment technique allows replacement of a worn net without removing the fabric sleeves.
In Figure 15, the elongated member 45 may optionally be made to expand under certain circumstances. The optional member 45 is adapted to have two portions 105 and 107 which are movable telescopically within member 45. Members 105 and 107 abut one another (or the ends of member 45) in a collapsed condition whenever the goal structure is fully expanded or fully collapsed.
Members 105 and 107 may be joined by a shock cord 109 allowing the members to separate, for example, up to about six inches, while remaining within member 45. These members may be subjected to tension and move relative to one another during assembly or collapsing of the goal structure, but return to their abutted ~168297 -position when tension is relieved. The optional telescoping capability of member 45 allows the goal to be expanded or collapsed by a second technique. Alternatively, member 45 may be of a fixed length. If a user were expanding the goal at the stage shown in Figure 4 and attempts to raise the top members 23 and 25, the member 45 will elongate. If at this same stage, the user continues to separate the members 21 and 27 horizontally, no such telescoping is needed. Thus, the telescoping nature of this member is optional.
Turning to Figure 6, a lockable hinge mechanism is shown in an exploded isometric view and is seen to include a pair of tubular members 67 and 69 having respective ends pivotably joined as by fixed or spring loaded pins 87 and 89 for movement between generally orthogonal (Figure 8) and collinear (Figures 7 and 9) relative positions. When member 69 is joined to an elbow 93 or three-way fitting (Figures 11 and 14), the movement relative to the adjacent portion of the elbow remains between generally collinear and generally perpendicular positions, but the motion relative to the remote portion of the elbow and any tubular member (such as 15, 23 or 41) extending therefrom is between generally perpendicular and parallel positions. A locking mechanism including the cuff 71 is selectively operable to the position shown in Figure 9 to prevent relative movement of the tubular members from the collinear position to the orthogonal position. Members 17 and 93 attach by abutting with flanges 73 and 75 and held in position by spring loaded pins such as 121 and _ ~168297 123. The locking mechanism also includes the flange or abutment 73 on tubular member 69. The cylindrical cuff 71 surrounding the other tubular member 67 has a semicylindrical extension 77 for engaging the abutment 73. The other tubular member 67 also has a semicylindrical end portion 79 for engaging the abutment 73. The abutment is generally circular and comprises a radially outward cylindrical enlargement which surrounds tubular member 69.
Figure 9 shows that relative angular movement of the tubular members 67 and 69 is precluded when the semicylindrical end and the semicylindrical extension are misaligned. A radially inwardly projecting boss or pin 81 selectively engages slot ends 83 or 85 so that the cylindrical cuff 71 and tubular member 67 are relatively coaxially rotatable through a range of about 180 degrees to align or completely misalign the semicylindrical end and semicylindrical portion. Of course, the boss could be located on member 67 and the slot located near the end of cuff 71 if desired. Detents or bumps may be provided to hold the cuff in its extreme positions. A bump is shown in slot 83. Figures 7 and 8 show that the tubular members are relatively movable about the pivot pins 87 and 89 when the semicylindrical end and the semicylindrical extension are aligned and positioned adjacent the same semicircular portion of the abutment as in Figure 7.
Typically, the cuff semicylindrical portion is extends through slightly more than one hundred eighty degrees and the member 69 may be undercut slightly in the regions 70 to avoid blnding or flexing of the cuff when folded to the position of Figure 8.
- ~168297 Tubular members 67 and 69 are locked in a collinear configuration as in Figure 9 and as illustrated by members 19 and 21 in Figure 1, while locking of the elongated members such as 17 and 15 of Figure 1 must be in the mutually perpendicular position. Reference to Figures 6, 13 and 14 will resolve this conflict. Tube 69 may be inserted into a relatively short tubular portion extending from one end of a ninety degree elbow 93 the other end of which receives an elongated tubular member such as 15 is attached. Thus, elongated tubular member 15 is a third tubular member and elbow 93 rigidly connects the one short tubular member and the third tubular member 15 in an orthogonal relationship. In Figure 14, the selectively operable cuff arrangement precludes relative movement of the third tubular member 15 and other tubular member 17 (which is joined into 67 at 91 of Figure 6) from a relatively orthogonal position as shown to a relatively parallel position, however, movement between the member 17 and the adjacent tubular end of the elbow 93 is from a collinear position as shown to a perpendicular position.
More complex couplings are also possible. Figure 12 shows two hinges coupling two long members to a short stub as might be used at 63 or 65 of Figure 1. In Figure 11, a lockable hinge mechanism, for example, coupling 61 of Figure 1 has three elongated tubular members 21, 23 and 41 which have their respective ends pivotably joined for movement between a folded position with 23 perpendicular to the parallel pair 21 and 41 parallel and the expanded position with all three mutually orthogonal as shown. There is a selectively operable cuff 95 associated with one of the elongated tubular members which is operable as described in conjunction with Figures 6-9 to prevent relative movement of the elongated tubular members from the mutually orthogonal position to the parallel position.
Figure 10 shows three elongated tubular members 33, 39 and 43 having respective ends pivotably joined for movement between a first configuration as shown in which two of the elongated tubular members 33 and 39 are collinear and the third 43 is generally perpendicular to the first two. With cuffs 97 and 99 properly positioned in their unlocked condition, tubular members 33 and 39 may be pivoted to a second configuration in which the three elongated tubular members are generally parallel to one another. With the cuffs 97 and 99 in the locked position (tubes 33 and 35 in the collinear position), relative movement of the elongated tubular members from the first configuration to the second configuration is prevented. The axle formed by joining members 69 to short tube 101, to which the members 33 and 39 are pivotably attached, may simply be free to rotate within the T 103 allowing tube 43 to be pivoted to a position parallel with the other two tubular members in the collapsed condition.
Figures 17 and 17A illustrate a portion of a fabric strip supporting therealong a series of hooks such as 127 and 129.
This material is commercially available and known as "hook tape."
It is frequently used in conjunction with a second fabric strip of "eyes" in the garment industry. The hooks on this hook tape are metal and the tape should not be confused with VELCR0 which employs highly flexible fabric hooks and may be used, for example, at 131 in the present invention.
The method of affixing the net to the goal should be clear from a comparison of Figures 18, 19 and 20. From a source of fabric sheets at 131, a sheet is folded at 139 so that a pair of opposed edges are aligned with one another along the edge 133 of Figure 18 to form an elongated tubular sleeve. From a source of elongated strips of hook tape at 135, a strip such as 125 is interposed between the two sheet edges with the hooks extending beyond the fabric edges and the two edges and strip are joined as by sewing along seam 137 as indicated at 141. Of course, the hook tape could be sewn to a single fabric edge and the fabric sheet then folded and the opposed edge fastened. The step 143 of placing the sleeve of Figure 18 with its joined strip of hook tape over a portion 145 of the goal structure is illustrated in Figure 19. To accomplish this, a tube of the goal structure must have a free end. Subsequent to placing the sleeve over a member such as 145, that sleeve is captured on the goal structure as at 147, for example, by joining (or rejoining) a member such as 17 and a sleeve such as 91 both of Figure 6. Each such closing and capturing of a sleeve and its joined strip of hook tape on the goal structure increases by one, the connectivity of the goal. A
sphere has connectivity one while a torus has connectivity two.
It will be noted that the finished goal frame of Figure 1 has connectivity six. The net 111 from source 151 may now be ~168297 suspended from the joined strip of hook tape at 149 by looping sections of the edge of the net over individual hooks as shown in Figure 19 to provide the finished goal at 153 ready for use. It is contemplated that the consumer will perform step 149. In Figure 16, the fabric sleeve portions 113 and 115 may be common long strip with a cut-out region exposing elbow 161, or two sleeves may be joined as by mating pieces of VELCR0 131 at 155.
The method of setting up and of collapsing the goal according to the present invention should now also be clear. To collapse the goal from the configuration of Figure 1, all locking cuffs are rotated to the unlocked position of Figure 7. Coupler 65 is moved rearward allowing members 43 and 45 to move toward parallel as shown in Figure 2. This allows members 21 and 27 to move toward perpendicular relative to members 19 and 29. Figure 3 illustrates the end result of the movements in Figure 2 with member 43 fully parallel to member 45 and members 21 and 27 fully perpendicular to members 19 and 29. In Figure 4, members 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 33 and 39 all move inward and become parallel to one another as well as parallel to 43 and 45 which were already parallel. Figure 5 shows the goal completely collapsed. Comparing Figures 1 and 5, it is clear that in the collapsed configuration, the elongated members 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 2~, 33, 39, 43 and 45 are disposed generally parallel to one another while in the expanded configuration, those members are generally perpendicular to one another where they meet at a coupler. In Figure 5, members 21 and 27 are perpendicular to 19 and 29 while in the expanded position of Figure 1, they are collinear.
Comparing Figures 1 and 5, it will me noted that in the expanded configuration, six of the elongated members are disposed in collinear pairs 43, 45; 19, 21; and 27, 29. When changing from the expanded to the collapsed configuration, two of said collinear pairs 19, 21 and 27, 29 move from collinear to perpendicular while the remaining pair 45, 47 moves from collinear to parallel.
From the foregoing, it is now apparent that a novel collapsing goal and net fastening arrangement has been disclosed meeting the objects and advantageous features set out hereinbefore as well as others, and that numerous modifications as to the precise shapes, configurations and details may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope thereof as set out by the claims which follow.
Claims (17)
1. The method of attaching a net to a goal comprising the steps of:
providing a source of fabric sheets;
aligning a pair of opposed edges of a fabric sheet to form the sheet into an elongated tubular sleeve;
providing a source of elongated strips of hook tape;
joining the pair of opposed aligned fabric edges with a strip of hook tape;
placing the sleeve with its joined strip of hook tape over a portion of a goal structure;
capturing the sleeve and its joined strip of hook tape on the goal structure; and suspending a net from the joined strip of hook tape.
providing a source of fabric sheets;
aligning a pair of opposed edges of a fabric sheet to form the sheet into an elongated tubular sleeve;
providing a source of elongated strips of hook tape;
joining the pair of opposed aligned fabric edges with a strip of hook tape;
placing the sleeve with its joined strip of hook tape over a portion of a goal structure;
capturing the sleeve and its joined strip of hook tape on the goal structure; and suspending a net from the joined strip of hook tape.
2. The method of Claim 1 wherein the step of joining includes locating the strip of hook tape between the pair of opposed aligned fabric edges with the hooks extending beyond the fabric edges, and sewing the opposed aligned fabric edges together capturing the hook tape therebetween.
3. The method of Claim 1 wherein the step of capturing the sleeve and its joined strip of hook tape on the goal structure includes increasing, by at least one, the connectivity of the goal.
4. The method of Claim 3 wherein the goal, subsequent to the step of capturing the sleeve and its joined strip of hook tape on the goal structure, has a connectivity of six.
5. The goal structure made according to the method of Claim 1.
6. A collapsible goal assembly comprising a plurality of articulated elongated members hingedly interconnected at their respective ends by a number of couplers to facilitate movement of the assembly between expanded and collapsed configurations, an even number of said couplers interconnecting an odd number of members, the remaining couplers interconnecting an even number of members and no coupler interconnecting more than three members.
7. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 6 wherein exactly four couplers interconnect three members each, and the remaining couplers interconnect two members each.
8. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 6 wherein one of the members is adapted to telescopically extend and retract while all of the other members are fixed in length.
9. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 8 wherein said one telescopic member first expands and then retracts while the goal assembly is being expanded.
10. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 8 wherein-said one telescopic member remains retracted at all times while the goal assembly is being expanded.
11. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 6 wherein, in the collapsed configuration, twelve of the elongated members are disposed generally parallel to one another.
12. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 6 further comprising a flexible fabric net having peripheral portions thereof slidingly, permanently encircling certain of the members.
13. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 12 wherein net peripheral portions encircle exactly ten members.
14. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 12 wherein the peripheral portions of the flexible fabric net comprise at least one fabric sheet having a pair of opposed edges sewn together to form a fabric sleeve and including near the opposed edges means for releasably supporting the remaining portion of the net.
15. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 12 wherein the means for releasably supporting comprises a strip of fabric having a plurality of hooks fixed thereto.
16. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 6 wherein, in the expanded configuration, six of the elongated members are disposed in collinear pairs.
17. The collapsible goal assembly of Claim 16 wherein, in changing from the expanded to the collapsed configuration, two of said collinear pairs move from collinear to perpendicular while the remaining pair moves from collinear to parallel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38068295A | 1995-01-30 | 1995-01-30 | |
| US380,682 | 1995-01-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2168297A1 true CA2168297A1 (en) | 1996-07-31 |
Family
ID=23502086
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2168297 Abandoned CA2168297A1 (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1996-01-29 | Collapsible goal and net |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2168297A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007098568A1 (en) * | 2006-03-01 | 2007-09-07 | Larry Stevens | Collapsible sports goal |
| EP2628992A1 (en) | 2012-02-14 | 2013-08-21 | Franck Herbert | Joint assembly and articulated-arm assembly comprising at least one such joint assembly |
-
1996
- 1996-01-29 CA CA 2168297 patent/CA2168297A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007098568A1 (en) * | 2006-03-01 | 2007-09-07 | Larry Stevens | Collapsible sports goal |
| EP2628992A1 (en) | 2012-02-14 | 2013-08-21 | Franck Herbert | Joint assembly and articulated-arm assembly comprising at least one such joint assembly |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |