CN116457065A - Improvements in movable goal assemblies and components and accessories therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable football net capable of being adjusted to substantially correspond to an officially approved football goal size, wherein the net comprises a connector position on its front top edge, wherein at least one corner connector position is positioned at or near a front apex angle of the net, and wherein a further connector position is spaced from the corner connector position and an adjacent connector position by a specified distance substantially corresponding to: age-related official football goal dimensions; providing the web with the ability to include adjustments to span a distance selected from the group consisting of: 5 meters, 4 meters, 3 meters, 2 meters, 1.8 meters, and 1.5 meters or a combination of at least two of these distances; and/or 16 feet, 12 feet, 8 feet, and 6 feet, or a combination of at least two of these distances.

Description

Improvements in movable goal assemblies and components and accessories therefor

Application for applying

The present application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to australian patent application 2020903919, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to improvements in movable goal assemblies and components and accessories therefor.

Background

In many countries of the world, children and young ball games such as soccer (soccer) and hockey typically require a movable goal assembly (or set of movable goal assemblies) that:

-having a size smaller than the size of an adult full-size goal, depending on the sports age group;

needs to be mobile (to enable children or young adults to move on the club's floor in, for example, the morning, and then be removed for later adult team movement on the club in the day.

Accordingly, collapsible goal assemblies have been developed to facilitate moving a small goal assembly onto and off of the goal and to facilitate storage thereof. See, for example: AU2015252018 and US2016213988.

However, the stackable goal assembly does not address the large number of different sized movable goal assemblies required by clubs to meet the official sizes specified for different age groups of children or young adults, typically 5 to 17 years old. There is also a need for a movable goal assembly that is commercially available to parents, which is not only easy to store and transport, but is also adjustable in size to grow up with their children at the same time.

To date, to the best of applicant's knowledge, there has been no goal assembly capable of being produced that is collapsible, which can be contained in 92 liter bags having a maximum length dimension of 1.15 meters, and which can be set to a maximum dimension of about 5 meters wide and 2 meters high, or a minimum dimension of about 1 meter high and 2 meters wide.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided an adjustable football net comprising connector locations (apex connector locations) on its two apex angles for connecting the net to the top of a goal post in its full-size configuration, and at least one further connector location (intermediate connector) positioned intermediate the apex connector locations; wherein the intermediate connector positions represent at least one different smaller goal dimension.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net which is adjustable to correspond substantially to an officially approved football goal size, wherein the net comprises a connector position on its front top edge, wherein at least one corner connector position is provided at or near a front apex angle of the net, and wherein a further connector position is spaced from the corner connector position and an adjacent connector position by a specified distance which corresponds substantially to:

-an age-related official soccer goal size; providing the web with the ability to include adjustments to span a distance selected from the group consisting of:

-5 meters, 4 meters, 3 meters, 2 meters, 1.8 meters and 1.5 meters or a combination of at least two of these distances; and/or

-16 feet, 12 feet, 8 feet and 6 feet or a combination of at least two of these distances.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable soccer ball net comprising a flexible strap rail having a plurality of connector locations spaced apart along its length.

Preferably, the adjustable soccer net may include a top section, a rear section, and a first side section, all integrally connected; the web further comprises a non-integrally connected second side section which in use is detachably attached to complete the other side of the web.

Preferably, in use, the second side section may be removably connected to one upstanding post, the rear section and the top section, and optionally.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above, wherein at least one connector position is provided at or near the top corner of the net, which serves as a reference point for other points of position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable crossbar for a soccer goal, the crossbar comprising:

-at least one telescopic member comprising a stationary member, said at least one telescopic member comprising:

-a first sliding member; and

optionally one or more further slide members within the first slide member,

wherein the first sliding member and the further sliding member are slidable relative to each other and the stationary member; and is also provided with

Wherein the telescoping member assembly is configured to provide a crossbar that is adjustable to span a goal from approximately 2 meters to approximately 5 meters.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable crossbar for a soccer goal substantially as described above, the crossbar comprising a pair of telescoping members that when connected together are adjustable to span from substantially 2 meters to substantially 5 meters.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an upstanding top connector member adapted to be attached to the top of an upstanding post for a self-supporting movable soccer goal, wherein the connector member includes a connector element receiving portion thereon which, in use, can retain a connector element therein, wherein the connector element is releasably engageable to a connector position on an adjustable soccer net.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an upstanding top connector member substantially as described above having at least two sleeve connector portions, each extending along an x and y axis respectively.

Preferably, the upstanding top connector member may further have a third connector extending along the z-axis.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above, wherein the attachment location is in the form of a ring.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a column floor support comprising:

-a sleeve portion; and

-a protruding portion extending outwardly from, at or near either side of the base of the sleeve portion; and is also provided with

Wherein the longitudinal axis of the protruding portion is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion; and is also provided with

Wherein there is a rearward extension extending outwardly from, at or near the base of the sleeve portion, intermediate the protruding portions on either side of the base; and is also provided with

Wherein the protruding portion therein comprises at least one downwardly extending peg; and

wherein at least one of the projection or the rearward extension has a hole therein which, in use, may receive a ground engaging pile therein.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible movable self-supporting goal assembly comprising:

-two telescopic upstanding posts;

-an upstanding connector member substantially as described above;

-two column ground supports adapted to fix the upright column to the ground;

an adjustable football net substantially as described above.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible self-supporting movable goal assembly comprising two telescoping upstanding posts, two upstanding connector components, a top support member extending rearwardly from the upstanding posts, two telescoping rearward ground members and two telescoping angled support members connected at one end thereof to the top support member and at the other end thereof to the telescoping rearward ground members.

Preferably, the length of the stationary and sliding members of the adjustable cross bar may be approximately 1.2 meters.

Preferably, the telescopic upstanding post may have the following height:

-approximately 1079 mm and/or 4 feet in the non-extended state;

-approximately 2 meters and/or 6 feet in fully extended state.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable foldable movable self-supporting football goal assembly comprising:

-an adjustable football net substantially as described above; and

an adjustable crossbar substantially as described above;

wherein the goal assembly further comprises a pair of telescoping upstanding posts connected to either end of the adjustable crossbar.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible movable soccer goal assembly substantially as described above, wherein said assembly comprises two upstanding connectors.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for an adjustable collapsible movable soccer goal assembly, wherein the assembly comprises:

-an adjustable football net;

-at least one telescopic rail;

-two adjustable telescopic uprights;

-two upright top connector members;

-two top support members;

-two elbow joints;

-two telescoping post net support columns;

-at least one telescopic ground spanning member;

-two three-way base connector parts;

-two telescopic ground support members.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above, wherein said ring is also on said side edges of said net to provide an adjustable height net.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above, wherein bungee cords and hook and loop means connect the positions of said connectors on said net to connector element receiving portions on a self-supporting movable football goal.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable upright for a movable, self-supporting, collapsible soccer goal assembly comprising:

-at least one telescopic member assembly comprising a stationary member, said at least one telescopic member comprising:

-a first sliding member; and

-optionally, one or more further slide members within the first slide member;

wherein the first sliding member and the further sliding member are slidable relative to each other and the stationary member; and is also provided with

Wherein the telescopic member assembly is configured to provide an upright, the height of which is adjustable from approximately 1 meter to 2 meters.

The telescoping assembly of the upright may include a plurality of height measurement indicia thereon corresponding to different goal heights to which the adjustable upright may be set.

According to a twentieth aspect, there is provided a three-way base connector component comprising:

-first, second and angled sleeve elements connected to each other aligned in x, y and z axes, respectively;

-optionally, each sleeve element is also connected to an adjacent sleeve via an interconnecting web element;

-the axes of the sleeve elements in the x and y axes are orthogonal to each other;

-the axis of the angled sleeve element in the z-axis is substantially 60 to 75 degrees relative to the sleeve in the x-axis and substantially 90 degrees relative to the sleeve in the y-axis.

According to a twenty-first aspect there is provided a three-way base connector member substantially as described above, wherein the base connector member further comprises an aperture therein through which a bungee cord may be passed to enable tension on the mesh in use.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a movable self-supporting goal assembly, the kit comprising:

an adjustable mesh substantially as described above;

-two telescopic uprights, which may have a height set at substantially 1 meter to substantially 2 meters and/or substantially 4 feet to 6 feet;

two upstanding connector members substantially as described above.

According to a twenty-third aspect there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above, wherein the net has a main section, a top section, a rear section and a first side section all integrally connected, and a separate second side section which in use is detachably attached to the main section when the width of the goal is determined.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, there is provided an adjustable football net comprising a flexible strap rail on its front top edge.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect there is provided a football net substantially as described above, wherein the flexible strip is tuned such that the width of the goal can be adjusted.

Drawings

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A shows a partial perspective view of the top right hand side of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable net for an adjustable movable goal assembly according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged view of the front apex angle of the goal assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows an enlarged view of the top rear corner of the goal assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

Fig. 2 shows a close-up of the positioner connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 3A shows a partial perspective view of the top left-hand side of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable net for an adjustable movable goal assembly according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 3B shows an enlarged view of the top rear corner of the net and goal assembly shown in fig. 3A.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of an adjustable crossbar according to a sixth aspect of the present invention for use in a preferred embodiment of a self-supporting movable soccer goal assembly.

Figure 5 shows the upright connector member shown in figure 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of some of the various dimensions that the adjustable movable goal of the present invention may have when used with a crossbar according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a column floor support according to another aspect of the invention.

Figure 8 shows an adjustable movable goal assembly with a flexible strap crossbar, two telescoping uprights (posts) held in place by post ground supports as shown in figure 7.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable web according to another aspect of the invention.

Fig. 10A shows a partial perspective view of a ground three-way base connector component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10B shows a rear view of the ground three-way base connector component shown in fig. 10A.

Fig. 11 shows a partial perspective view of a post support that may be used in a hard ground environment.

Fig. 12 shows a three-way base connector as shown in fig. 10A and 10B.

Fig. 13 shows an exploded assembly perspective view of a self-supporting movable soccer goal assembly.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A shows the front top of an adjustable football net and goal assembly, indicated generally by arrow 1. The net 3 has a flexible strip rail in the form of a fabric rail 2 on its front edge.

The fabric rail 2 is held to the front edge of the web 3 by connector locations M1 and M2 and F1 and F2 in the form of fabric strips 4, best seen in fig. 2. The fabric strip 4 in the attachment position has been formed as a loop L and placed outside the edge 7 of the net 3 and then sewn to the support strip 5, the support strip 5 having been sewn to the top and bottom of the surface 6 of the fabric rail 2.

The connector position M1 is the corner connector position for a goal in the size of meters and is located near the front top corner of the net 3. The connector position M2 is located 1 meter away.

The connector position F1 is another corner connector position for a goal of a small size and is located near the front apex angle of the net 3.

To assist in properly supporting the top edge of the web on the fabric rail, a plurality of support straps 8 may also be used. The support strips 8 act like spacers between the connector locations, which are also spaced from the fabric rail by the support strips 5.

Fig. 1B shows a net retention plug NRL on an upstanding corner connector 5000, also shown in fig. 5. Similarly, fig. 1C shows a net retention plug NRL on elbow 4003.

Fig. 3A shows the connector position M6, which connector position M6 is spaced apart such that the vertical column inner side distance is 5 meters from the corner connector position M1 in fig. 1.

Fig. 3B shows the net retention plug NRL on elbow 4003.

Fig. 4 shows an adjustable crossbar and adjustable movable goal assembly 10000, indicated generally by arrow 4000. The adjustable crossbar and movable telescoping or tubular members of the goal assembly are preferably made of 1-2 mm aluminum tubes. Other pipe connector elements and elbows are also preferably made of aluminum or other durable materials.

The adjustable cross bar includes a pair of telescoping assemblies a and B. The telescoping assemblies A, B each have a stationary member A1, B1, a first sliding member A2, B2 and a second sliding member A3, B3. It can be seen that the second slide members A3, B3 are sized to fit and slide within the first slide members A2, B2. Similarly, the first sliding members A2, B2 are sized to fit and slide within the stationary members A1, B1.

The ends of the stationary members A1, B1 are connected via a connector sleeve C having a distal end (not shown) sized to protrude within and frictionally engage the inner surfaces of the stationary members A1, B1 and connected via spring clips (not shown) within the connector sleeve C at either end thereof. Preferably, bungee cords (not shown) are attached to the stationary members A1, B1 and the cords pass through the connector sleeve C.

Fig. 4 and 5 illustrate a three-way upright top angle connector member 5000 that is adapted to attach to the top of an upright telescoping column 4001L, 4001R. The upstanding posts 4001L, 4001R have stationary members L1, R1 and sliding members L2, R2, the sliding members L2, R2 being sized to fit and slide within the stationary members L1, R2.

The upstanding corner connector member 5000 in fig. 5 has a hole E through which a connecting element in the form of a shackle 5003 passes. The shackle 5003 is connected to a connector location M6 in the form of a loop L to connect the top corner of the net to the upstanding post.

As can be seen in fig. 5, the upstanding corner connector 5000 is a three-way joint having three sleeve connector portions 5004, 5005 and 5006 in the x, y and z axes, each sleeve connector portion having a sleeve portion (not shown) sized to frictionally slide into the ends of the slide member A3 of the crossbar, the slide member L2 of the upstanding member (post) and the top support member 4002L.

Fig. 4 shows an upstanding corner connector 5000 that is also connected to one end of the top support members 4002L, 4002R. The top support members 4002L and 4002R are also connected at their other ends to an elbow joint 4003.

The elbow joint 4003 is connected to the telescoping rear net support posts 4004L and 4004R. The telescoping rear net support posts 4004L and 4004R have stationary elements RR1, LL1 and sliding elements RR2, LL2.

The adjustable movable goal assembly 10000 also has a telescoping floor-spanning member formed by a pair of telescoping assemblies D and E. The telescoping assemblies D, E each have a stationary member D1, E1, a first sliding member D2, E2 and a second sliding member D3, E3. It can be seen that the second sliding elements D3, E3 are dimensioned to fit and slide within the first sliding elements D2, E2. Similarly, the first slide members D2, E2 are sized to fit and slide within the stationary members D1, E1.

The ends of the stationary members D1, E1 are connected via a connector sleeve F having distal ends (not shown) sized to protrude within the inner surfaces of the stationary members D1, E1 and frictionally engage the inner surfaces of the stationary members D1, E1, connected via spring clips (not shown) within the connector sleeve F at either end thereof. Preferably, an elastic cord (not shown) is connected to the stationary members D1, E1 and the cord is passed through the connector sleeve F.

The opposite ends of the rests D1, E1 are connected to the three-way base connector member 5001 and are free to rotate in the member 5001 so that the receiving net rolls them around D and E to a height less than when the post is fully extended. The three-way base connector component 5001 has angled sleeves 5001as also connected to the bottom ends of the stationary members RR1, LL1 of the rear screen support posts 4004L and 4004R. Bungee cord devices similar to those described above with 4004L and 4004R may also be used to hold disassembled parts together for storage. It should be appreciated that the three-way base connector members 5001 used on the left and right sides of the goal are mirror images of each other and have internal notches on different sides, thus requiring different molds. .

The three-way base connector component 5001 is also connected to telescoping ground support members 4005R, 4005L, said telescoping ground support members 4005R, 4005L having said stationary ground components GR1, GL1 connected at one end to the three-way base connector component 5001 and sliding ground members GR2, GL2 connected to a two-way base connector component 5002 (see fig. 11), the bottom ends of the stationary members R1, L1 of the upstanding posts 4001R, 4001L being connected to said two-way base connector component 5002. Also, bungee cord arrangements similar to those described above with 4005L and 4005R can be used to hold disassembled parts together for storage.

Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate the three-way base connector component 5001 in more detail. The component 5001 can be seen to have bungee cords 1000 and shackles 1001 thereon.

The bungee cord 1000 is stretched, thus tightening the web by threading the shackle 1001 into the connection location CL1 in the form of a loop at the outer edge of the web.

The other end of bungee cord 1000 has been threaded through a hole (not shown) in three-way connector component 5001 and through a hole of an inner disc (not shown) in stationary member LL1, where the end of the bungee cord is knotted to retain it within stationary member LL 1. The stationary member LL1 is connected by a spring clip SC to an angled sleeve 5001as of a three-way connector component 5001.

Another method of attaching the bungee cord is to tie a loop in the bungee cord 1000 to attach to:

-an internal hook (not shown) on the outer surface of the internal disc within LL 1; or (b)

Alternatively, holes (not shown) within 5001.

The second slide member D3 has a latch 1003 with a cam clamp on the latch 1003 that can be used to clamp the second slide member D3 against rotation. The latch 1003 includes a locking clamp 1004 that holds the latch securely to the sleeve element 5001s2 against rotation relative to the sleeve.

The latch, when released, enables the second slide member D3 to rotate relative to the second sleeve element 5001s2 to roll up excess mesh (if a lower height goal size is used). Upon sufficient rolling, the latch 1003 closes to prevent rotation of the second member D3 relative to the sleeve element 5001s 2.

The three-way base connector component 5001 also has a first sleeve element 5001s1, the end of the stationary ground member GL1 being slid onto this first sleeve element 5001s1, and the first sleeve element 5001s1 being held in place with a spring clip SC.

It should be appreciated that the bungee cord 1000 has a length of: it needs to be stretched so that the shackle 1001 can then penetrate into the connector location CL1 in the form of a loop on the outer edge of the net to tighten the net.

Fig. 6 shows a 5 meter full size goal assembly 6001, a 4 meter medium size goal assembly 6002 and a2 meter small size goal assembly 6003.

As can be seen, the small size goal 6003 uses a partially extended telescoping cross bar as indicated by arrow a and telescoping uprights 4001L, 4001R in an unextended state to create a minimum goal size.

The medium size goal assembly 6002 has a near fully extended telescopic crossbar and telescopic upstanding posts 4001L, 4001R in a partially extended state, shown by arrow B.

A 5 meter sized goal assembly 6001 has a fully extended telescopic cross bar as indicated by arrow C and telescopic upstanding posts 4001L, 4001R in a fully extended state.

The location of the connectors on the net determines the size (span) of the goal between the uprights. For example, goal assembly 6001 has a span of 5 meters between upstanding posts.

Fig. 7 shows a column ground support 7000 having a sleeve portion 7001 and protruding lateral foot portions 7002 on either side of the sleeve 7001, the foot portions 7002 having upper surfaces connected to the base of the sleeve portion 7001. The lower surface of the projecting foot portion 7002 has downwardly extending posts 7003 extending therefrom. Post ground support 7000 has a rear plate 7004 with holes 7005 for receiving pegs (not shown) to help prevent movement of the pegs in the ground. The post ground support has a web W that helps to further connect the sleeve portion 7001 to the foot portion 7002 and the rear panel 7004. Preferably, the floor support is made of galvanized steel.

In the presence of a hard floor, as shown in fig. 11, a bi-directional base connector component 5002 is used. The component 5001 also uses a shackle 1001 and a bungee 1000 as described above with respect to fig. 10A.

Fig. 8 shows an adjustable goal assembly 8000 having two telescoping uprights 4001R, 4001L, the uprights 4001R, 4001L being held on the ground by post ground supports 7000 and supporting the net 3 with flexible strap crossbars 2. The adjustable net according to fig. 1 is fixed by not shown connector elements and not shown connector positions to achieve a desired goal size Y, which may be any size from approximately 1.5 meters or 1.8 meters up to approximately 5 meters. In this embodiment, the movable adjustable goal assembly 8000 has a fabric rail 2. This embodiment may require support lines (8002L, 8001L, 8002R, 8002L) and tent poles (not shown) to help support uprights 4001L, 4001R.

The net 3 is also supported along the top rear edge 3A via support cords sewn into the net 3, which are connected to a retaining element NRL on the elbow joint 4003, as shown in fig. 3B.

The net is further secured to the uprights at positions 3C, above 3C and below 3C by beaded tension ring means.

To create a beaded tension ring device, one end of a length of tension rope is passed through the edge cells of the net, and then each end of the rope is passed through an aperture in the bead.

The ends of the cord are then knotted to remain in the bead and create a loop.

To attach the front edge of the web 3 to the uprights 4001L and 4001R, the beads are passed around the uprights and then passed over themselves and pulled taut.

If desired by the user, the user may obtain the adjustable telescoping rails and other telescoping support members depicted and described with respect to fig. 1-7 for upgrades.

Fig. 9 shows an adjustable web indicated generally by arrow 9000. The web 9000 has a main portion 9001, the main portion 9001 having a top section 9002, a rear section 9003 and a first side section 9004 all integrally connected by stitching (not shown). The web 9000 also has a second side web segment 9005, which second side web segment 9005 is in use detachably connected to the edges of the top segment 9002 and the back segment 9003 and to the upstanding posts (not shown) via web retention elements, hook and loop and bead elastics (neither shown but discussed elsewhere and generally shown in other figures).

The rear edge of the second side network segment 9005 is connected via segment-connected rope segments (not shown) which are connected at the top to 4003 and then pass along their outer edges through the network elements of the main network 3. The distal end of the connecting rope portion has a shackle (not shown) which is then connected to the bottom of the main network 3.

Fig. 12 shows a three-base connector component 5001 in greater detail, having a first sleeve 5001s1 on the x-axis and a second sleeve 5001s2 on the y-axis, the two axes being orthogonal to each other, as shown.

The three-way-based connector component 5001 also has an angled sleeve 5001as, the sleeve 5001as being on the z-axis and at an angle of 68.72 degrees to the x-axis of the first sleeve 5001s1 and at an angle of 90 degrees to the y-axis of the second sleeve 5001s 2.

In use, when the goal is disassembled to reduce the number of parts to be assembled and to speed up installation time, the upright angle connector 5000 may remain secured to the top of the upright post sliding members R2, L2.

Similarly, when the goal is disassembled to reduce the number of parts assembled and to speed up installation time, the three-way connector element 5001 may remain connected to the stationary ground part GL1 and the stationary member LL1 and the stationary ground part GR1 and the stationary member RR1, respectively.

With respect to fig. 13, a list of components of a preferred embodiment of the movable self-supporting goal assembly of the present invention is detailed in table 1 below.

TABLE 1

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Example 1

The invention in various preferred embodiments as described herein and in relation to the drawings may have the following properties:

estimated weight of goal and net:

t1-textile rail with nails for soft ground-about 8kg;

t2-aluminum rail with nails for soft ground-about 11.5kg;

t3-aluminum full frame for hard floors-about 15kg;

and/or

Sized to fit into a 92 liter bag having a maximum length dimension of 1.15 meters

35 sizes for T2 and T3

45 sizes for T1

Example 2

National table of official goal sizes achievable by the invention:

wherein the double boxes are T1, and the single boxes are T1, T2 and T3

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Detailed discussion of the invention, including some alternative non-limiting implementations

The location of the connectors on the web may take a variety of different forms. The attachment locations enable the top edge of the net to be attached to the upstanding post of the goal.

Preferably, the connector location is easily identifiable on the top edge of the web. In some embodiments, the connector locations may have a color that contrasts with the color of the mesh and/or flexible strap crossbars.

Preferably, the connector locations may have indicia on or adjacent to the fabric rail indicating the goal size (span) of the net that can be achieved when a particular connector location is connected to the upright.

For example, the connector locations may have indicia in the form of numbers or letters, such as 3 meters or 12 feet, etc., for indicating the size/span of the goal.

Alternatively, the indicia may be in the form of letters, numbers and/or words representing an age group of goal sizes created by the particular connector location in use.

In some preferred embodiments, the connector locations may have the form of loops that enable the connector elements to pass through to connect the mesh to the connector element receiving portions on the upstanding top connector members.

In some embodiments, the connector locations may also assist in connecting the flexible strap crossbars to the edges of the web.

In other embodiments, the connector locations may be in the form of eyelets on flexible strap crossbars through which the connector elements may pass to connect the mesh to the upright corner connector members.

The connector location may be a length of rope on the front top edge of the web in some embodiments. In use, the string may be locked to a clamshell clip or the like on the goal frame assembly. In some embodiments, the goal assembly may utilize a clamshell clip thereon to tension the net on the frame assembly.

The flexible strap crossbars may generally comprise strips of material that resemble cloth in flexibility.

In some embodiments, the flexible strap crossbar may be a fabric crossbar made of a strip of fabric material.

In some other embodiments, the flexible strap crossbar may be made of a synthetic material strap that can have a connector location sewn, glued, or otherwise secured thereto or disposed therein.

In some preferred embodiments, there may also be connector locations on the side edges of the net, the locations of which correspond to various goal heights.

The connector element may take a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector element may have the form of a shackle.

In another embodiment, the connector element may have the form of a hook.

It will be appreciated that the telescoping members may be held in place when extended to a desired length and released to extend or retract to other desired lengths by any number of means known in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the various telescoping pieces or other components may be locked with a spring clip or external latch/clip locking mechanism.

In addition to the cross bars, the upright telescoping members and other telescoping members may have height, depth or width indicia thereon.

According to a twenty-third aspect there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above, wherein the net has a main section, a top section, a rear section and a first side section all integrally connected, and a separate second side section which in use is detachably attached to the main section when the width of the goal is determined.

The present invention solves a number of problems with movable adjustable goal assemblies, and preferred embodiments may have a number of advantages, including:

-providing a collapsible assembly weighing about 15kg;

-providing a foldable assembly that can be stored and carried in a bag that will fit in the case/trunk of an average size car;

-providing a fully adjustable assembly which may span from about 2 meters up to 5 meters;

-providing a height adjustable assembly of from about 1 meter to 2 meters;

-providing a net which can act as a measuring tool for constructing the width of the goal assembly, including where to position the uprights or how far to extend the telescopic cross bar to achieve the desired goal size;

-providing a movable self-supporting goal assembly having sufficient strength to span up to 5 meters;

-providing a movable self-supporting goal assembly that can be quickly set from a folded condition and quickly adjusted after assembly to change the goal size as desired;

-an adjustable net adjustable for goals of different sizes;

symmetrical and therefore similar in appearance to a standard official goal, which provides the athlete with a perceived realism.

The invention may also be broadly described as comprising the parts, elements, features and characteristics referred to or indicated in the specification of the present application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements, features or characteristics.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only, and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims (24)

1. An adjustable football net comprising connector locations (apex connector locations) on its two apexes for connecting the net to the top of a goal post in its full-size configuration, and at least one further connector location (intermediate connector) positioned intermediate the apex connector locations; wherein the intermediate connector positions represent at least one different smaller goal dimension.

2. An adjustable football net adjustable to substantially correspond to an officially approved football goal size, wherein the net comprises a connector position on its front top edge, wherein at least one corner connector position is provided at or near a front top corner of the net, and wherein a further connector position is spaced from the corner connector position and an adjacent connector position by a specified distance substantially corresponding to:

-an age-related official soccer goal size; providing the web with the ability to include adjustments to span a distance selected from the group consisting of:

-5 meters, 4 meters, 3 meters, 2 meters, 1.8 meters and 1.5 meters or a combination of at least two of these distances; and/or

-16 feet, 12 feet, 8 feet and 6 feet or a combination of at least two of these distances.

3. An adjustable football net comprising a flexible strap rail having a plurality of connector locations spaced apart along its length.

4. A football net as claimed in claim 2 or 3, provided with at least one connector position at or near the top corner of the net as a reference point for other points of position.

5. The adjustable football net of claim 4, having a flexible strap rail with a plurality of connector locations indicative of various goal sizes, and being capable of functioning as a goal size measure for a telescoping rail that will form part of a goal assembly in use, the goal assembly being attached to the net.

6. An adjustable crossbar for a soccer goal, the crossbar comprising:

-at least one telescopic member comprising a stationary member, said at least one telescopic member comprising:

-a first sliding member; and

optionally one or more further slide members within the first slide member,

wherein the first sliding member and the further sliding member are slidable relative to each other and the stationary member; and is also provided with

Wherein the telescoping member assembly is configured to provide a crossbar that can be adjusted to span a goal from approximately 2 meters to approximately 5 meters.

7. An adjustable crossbar for soccer goals according to claim 6 comprising a pair of telescoping members that when connected together can be adjusted to span from approximately 2 meters to approximately 5 meters.

8. An upstanding top connector member adapted to be attached to the top of an upstanding post for a self-supporting movable soccer goal, wherein the connector member includes a connector element receiving portion thereon, the connector element receiving portion being capable of retaining a connector element therein in use, wherein the connector element is releasably engageable to a connector position on an adjustable soccer net.

9. The upstanding top connector member of claim 8 having at least two sleeve connector portions, each extending along an x and y axis, respectively.

10. Adjustable football net according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection location is in the form of a ring.

11. An adjustable, movable, self-supporting, collapsible soccer goal assembly comprising:

-an adjustable football net according to claim 1 or 2; and

-an adjustable crossbar according to claim 6 or 7;

wherein, goal subassembly still include with the flexible upright post pair that either end of horizontal pole that can adjust is connected.

12. The adjustable soccer goal assembly of claim 11, wherein said assembly comprises two upstanding connectors according to claim 8 or 9.

13. A kit for an adjustable, movable, self-supporting soccer goal assembly, wherein the assembly comprises:

-an adjustable football net;

-at least one telescopic rail;

-two adjustable telescopic uprights;

-two upright top connector members;

-two top support members;

-two elbow joints;

-two telescoping post net support columns;

-at least one telescopic ground spanning member;

-two three-way base connector parts;

-two telescopic ground support members.

14. The adjustable football net of claim 10, wherein the ring is also on the side edges of the net to provide a height adjustable net.

15. Adjustable football net according to claim 10 or 14, wherein bungee cords and hook and loop means connect the connection member locations on the net to connection element receiving portions on a self-supporting movable football goal.

16. An adjustable upright for a soccer goal assembly, the upright comprising:

-at least one telescopic member assembly comprising a stationary member, said at least one telescopic member comprising:

-a first sliding member; and

-optionally, one or more further slide members within the first slide member;

wherein the first sliding member and the further sliding member are slidable relative to each other and the stationary member; and is also provided with

Wherein the telescopic member assembly is configured to provide an upright, the height of which is adjustable from approximately 1 meter to 2 meters.

17. A three-way base connector component comprising:

-first, second and angled sleeve elements connected to each other aligned in x, y and z axes, respectively;

-optionally, each sleeve element is also connected to an adjacent sleeve via an interconnecting web element;

-the axes of the sleeve elements in the x and y axes are orthogonal to each other;

-the axis of the angled sleeve element in the z-axis is substantially 60 to 75 degrees relative to the sleeve in the x-axis and substantially 90 degrees relative to the sleeve in the y-axis.

18. A three-way base connector member substantially as hereinbefore described wherein the base connector member further includes an aperture therein through which a bungee cord can be passed to enable tensioning on the net in use.

19. An adjustable, movable, self-supporting goal assembly comprising:

-two telescopic upstanding posts;

-an upright connector part according to claim 8;

-two column ground supports adapted to fix the upright column to the ground;

-an adjustable football net according to claim 1 or 2.

20. A column floor support comprising:

-a sleeve portion; and

-a protruding portion extending outwardly from, at or near either side of the base of the sleeve portion; and is also provided with

Wherein the longitudinal axis of the protruding portion is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion; and is also provided with

Wherein the sleeve portion is a rearwardly extending portion extending outwardly from, at or near the base of the sleeve portion intermediate the protruding portions on either side of the base; and is also provided with

Wherein the protruding portion comprises at least one downwardly extending peg; and is also provided with

Wherein at least one of the projection or rearward extension has a hole therein, the hole being capable of receiving a ground engaging pile therein in use.

21. A kit for a movable self-supporting goal assembly, comprising:

-an adjustable network according to claim 3;

-two telescopic uprights, the height of which is set to be substantially 1 meter to substantially 2 meters and/or substantially 4 feet to 6 feet;

-two upright connector parts according to claim 8.

22. A football net comprising a flexible strap rail on a front top edge thereof.

23. The football net of claim 22, wherein the flexible straps are adapted such that the width of the goal can be adjusted.

24. An adjustable football net according to any one of claims 1, 2, 22 or 23, wherein the net has a main section, a top section, a rear section and a first side section, all integrally connected, and a separate second side section, which in use is detachably attachable to the main section when the width of the goal is determined.