EP1682235A1

EP1682235A1 - Transportable goal for games

Info

Publication number: EP1682235A1
Application number: EP04790798A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthias Soyka
Original assignee: Vogelsang Karin
Current assignee: Vogelsang Karin
Priority date: 2003-11-10
Filing date: 2004-10-23
Publication date: 2006-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-23
Also published as: DE20321626U1; EP1682235B1; DE502004010365D1; WO2005046808A1; ATE448008T1; DE10352871A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a transportable goal (1) for games, comprising two goal posts (2) and a bottom frame (9) with two free ends (14, 15). The goal posts (2) are removably joined to one of the two spaced-apart free ends (14, 15) of the bottom frame (9), respectively. The inventive transportable goal (1) is characterized in that at least some areas of the goal posts (2) are embodied in an elastically flexible manner.

Description

Portable game gate

The invention relates to a portable game gate mentioned in the preamble of claim 1.

Goals are needed for many games. One example is the ball game soccer. But also for other games, such as hockey, handball, etc., goals are an indispensable prerequisite for the game, because according to the rules of the game, the achievement of points requires that the players have a game object, e.g. a ball through which the goal area defined by a game goal, e.g. by shooting with the foot, by throwing by hand or by hitting with clubs.

A game goal consists of two side goal boundaries, the goal posts, which are set up parallel to each other and at a fixed distance from each other perpendicular to the floor of the field. Between the upper ends of the posts, there is usually an upper goal boundary, known as the crossbar, which runs parallel to the floor of the field. The goal line is the shortest connection between the two posts on the surface of the field. The two posts, the crossbar and the goal line limit the goal area to be crossed by the game object. Furthermore, most gates have a net that is stretched between the posts and the crossbar and is attached to it in a suitable manner. The network serves on the one hand to make it easier to see whether a goal has been scored. If the object of the game goes into the goal net, it has usually also passed the goal area beforehand. On the other hand, the net also serves to increase the playing comfort, in that the object of the game is stopped after passing through the goal area and does not need to be repeated.

The above-mentioned games requiring goals are also played spontaneously in places where no goals are available. Popular locations are e.g. Beaches, lawns or other areas accessible to the public or your own garden. In the simplest way, a gate can be created by using objects such as shoes or clothing placed on the floor as lateral gate boundaries. The goal area extends over the area between these lateral boundaries and over a certain height above the goal line, the height usually being determined by eye. Experience has shown that such provisional goals repeatedly give rise to discussions among other players during the game as to whether the object in question has passed the area between the goal boundaries or outside the boundaries. There is often a dispute about this, which significantly affects the fun of the game.

In order to avoid these disadvantages, portable game gates are known in the prior art, which the players can carry along and set up at the game site. Such goals are known in many sizes and types, whereby the goal size does not have to meet the official requirements according to the rules of the game. As a rule, these gates are smaller than compliant gates because they are as a result, they are lighter in weight and are accordingly easier to transport, for example in bags provided for this purpose.

WO 02/40106 AI shows a non-generic game goal, which at least in regions has elastic goal posts. The posts are formed with anchoring means at their lower ends in order to achieve an anchoring by sinking these anchoring means into the field surface. The goal posts get their stability solely from this anchoring in the pitch, a floor frame is not provided. For a hard playing surface, e.g. for indoor, stone or artificial turf floors, or for soft surfaces, e.g. a sandy bottom, the gate is therefore unsuitable. The goal net must also be fastened using separately attached floor fasteners, which can easily be lost.

Another non-generic game goal shows e.g. U.S. 5,951,415. The door consists of two floor anchoring elements which, as in WO 02/40106, are anchored in the floor at a distance from one another in accordance with the desired width of the door, and which each receive the lower end of one of the two goal posts provided. A rope that forms the crossbar extends between the two upper ends of the goalposts, which are designed as elongated tubes. A goal net is attached to the post and to the crossbar and extends to the floor of the field, where it is fastened with fasteners at a distance from the goal line. Finally, two guy ropes are provided, each tensioned between one of the posts and the playing field. The goal posts are held at their upper ends by the balanced tensile forces of the guy ropes and the elastic crossbar.

A disadvantage of this construction is that the setting up of the gate is relatively laborious and time-consuming. Furthermore, the gate as a whole is little stable against forces acting on the door from the front. For example, the forces acting on a goal from a soccer ball shot into the goal are only unsatisfactorily absorbed in the construction shown, so that the goal can be knocked over or collapse. Finally, players can also trip over the guy ropes that run directly on the field boundary. As already stated in WO 02/40106, the goal is only suitable for soft floors, since the goal posts have to be rammed into the field surface.

A generic portable game gate shows the US 6,371,873. It has a multi-part, pluggable, U-shaped goal frame, which can be plugged together from two parallel posts and a slat running between their upper ends. Furthermore, the gate has a likewise U-shaped base frame, the free ends of which can be plugged together with the lower free end of one of the posts of the gate frame. When the goal is set up, the floor frame lies flat on the playing field, while the goal frame is essentially perpendicular to the playing field. However, all components of the gate are rigid and also rigidly interconnected. As a result, e.g. a sharply shot ball flying into the goal moves or knocks the goal over, or, under extreme loads, can deform or break individual components or a connection between components.

It is the object of the present invention to make a generic game gate more stable against game loads.

This object is achieved by a game goal according to the features of claim 1. The gate marked in this way receives its basic stability from the floor frame that rests on the field floor. The flexible goal posts are held by the base frame.

Due to their elasticity, the posts can cushion all occurring forces without the gate being noticeably displaced or without the risk of damage. A post hit e.g. only vibrates the hit post.

The flexural elasticity of the goal posts and the weight of the floor frame can be chosen within wide limits, so that the goal can withstand very large forces, e.g. when a player hits the goal. Alternatively or additionally, the floor frame could also be fixed to the floor.

A door with very flexible posts and a heavy floor frame is very stable against all forces. In addition, goal posts that bend very easily can also lead to a new gaming experience, because the posts, with a correspondingly high degree of elasticity in bending, will induce vibrations even at low wind speeds in such a way that the goal area is constantly in motion. This makes it difficult to achieve a goal as well as to defend the goal. This effect can, if desired, e.g. be strengthened by suitable formation of a net to be fastened to the posts and the floor frame. For this purpose, the network preferably has a high air resistance.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

It is preferred, for example, that the gate also has a crossbar in order to make the upper boundary of the gate surface clearly recognizable. Such a crossbar could for example, a rod that is attachable between the upper ends of the posts. However, such a rod would deprive the post of some of its elasticity by coupling the movement of both posts together. Furthermore, the rod would be bulky due to the length to be provided, which can be partially remedied by a multi-part design. It would therefore be better, for example, to use a rope than a crossbar that is stretched between the posts. So that the rope does not sag, it could be designed to be elastic, for example, and stretched between vertical goal posts. This would pull the posts inwards.

According to claim 2, it is therefore advantageously provided that the posts are held inclined in the rest position from the vertical position, in the opposite direction to each other. The direction of inclination should preferably be selected parallel to the goal line. Instead of a bar as a goal crossbar or an elastic band, a tensile rope can then form the goal crossbar, which can be attached to the upper ends of the posts. In order to tighten the rope, it is also provided that after attachment to the goal posts it is held in a bent state under tension. The rope must be shorter than the distance between the top ends of the goal posts, which are at rest. The rope is pulled taut in this way and does not sag.

With the features of claim 3 it is advantageously achieved that the goalposts are substantially perpendicular after fastening the goal net, and the goal area is given the generally customary rectangular shape.

The gate according to the invention can also be used without a goal net. However, it is advantageously provided according to claim 4 that the gate has a network connectable to the posts and the floor frame. This makes it easier to see whether a goal has been scored. In addition, the net catches the game item, so that he doesn't have to run after him. Overall, there is a gain in gaming comfort.

As mentioned above, the door crossbar can be designed as a rod or as a rope, which are a separate component of the door. According to claim 5, however, it is advantageously proposed that the upper edge of the goal net forms the crossbar. As a result, the goal then only consists of a floor frame, two posts and a goal net. It is preferable to ensure that the post tension is dimensioned sufficiently to span the goal net in such a way that the top edge of the net does not sag substantially, but rather runs approximately parallel to the goal line. This can be achieved through a suitable choice of the angle of inclination and the elasticity of the posts.

The features of claim 6 are advantageously provided. Fully flexible posts are particularly suitable for cushioning the forces. The manufacture of the posts is also easier.

The posts can be connected in any way to the free ends of the floor frame, e.g. by a screw connection or a clamp connection. However, a connector is particularly preferred according to claim 7. The assembly and disassembly of the gate is particularly easy and quick.

There are many options for fastening the goal net to the goal and / or floor frame. For example, hooks for attaching the goal net could be provided on the posts. However, two fastening means are advantageously arranged at a defined distance from one another on the goal net. As a result, the goal net is always attached to the goal frame in the manner intended, and the posts are therefore always in the correct wanted way under tension. Overall, attaching the net proves to be particularly easy and quick to accomplish.

According to claim 9, the fastening means are preferably receptacles, which are to be positively inserted over the upper free ends of the posts. The net can be attached in a few simple steps.

With the features of claim 10 it is advantageously achieved that the connection between the post and the floor frame is very stable and cannot be accidentally released because it is a self-locking plug connection from below. When reassembling, the free ends of the posts must be pushed through the hole to the foot serving as a stop.

According to claim 11, the post feet can be designed as a floor anchoring device to additionally fix the gate on or in the floor. The feet can e.g. be pointed to be rammed into the field surface. For hall floors e.g. a non-slip coating on the underside of the foot is conceivable or a foot adhering to the floor when pressed, for example in the manner of a suction cup.

According to claim 12, the bottom frame can also have a floor anchoring device on its underside in order to increase the stability of the door.

The floor frame can be formed in one piece. According to claim 13, however, it is advantageously constructed in several pieces, so that it can be dismantled into more manageable frame parts. The frame parts can be detachably connected to one another, for example, by means of a simple plug connection. The bottom frame can be U-shaped or triangular, for example. It is advantageous, however, according to claim 14, arched because this ensures an optimum weight and stability.

According to claim 15 it is advantageously provided that the goal net is permanently attached to the floor frame. The goal can be set up even faster, and the object cannot slide under the net without attaching the net to the bottom of the field.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

1 shows a representation of the individual components of a game gate according to a first exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the game gate of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1 after the individual components have been assembled,

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a gate according to the invention in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment,

FIGS. 4 a) - d) different design variants of a detachable connection between the post and the floor frame,

5 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 2 to explain the network fastening or the plug sleeves, and

Figures 6 a) - d) different versions of post feet. In Figure 1, the individual components of a game gate 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention are shown. The game goal 1 has two goal posts 2, each consisting of a long bar 3 made of a flexible material which has a lower and an upper free end 4, 5. The posts also have a post base 6, which consists of a base plate 7 and a receptacle sleeve 8 firmly connected thereto, in which the lower end 4 of the rod 3 is received and fastened, for example, by gluing.

Furthermore, the gate 1 has an arcuate, two-part floor frame 9. Each of the two base frame parts 10, 11 is made from a bent tube. The two base frame parts 10, 11 are approximately of the same length and can be connected to one another via a plug connection 12, 13. Furthermore, both bottom frame parts 10, 11 each have at the free ends 14, 15, which do not serve for the plug-in connection, each have a bore 16 running through the tube in its entire diameter. A goal net 18 is fastened to the bottom frame 9 with fastening means 17. In the example shown, the attachment is permanently provided.

The net 18, which is essentially trapezoidal in shape, the longer of the two mutually parallel sides forming the lower edge to be fastened to the floor frame, while the shorter of these two parallel sides forms the upper edge 19 of the goal net 18. Two receptacles 20, 21 are fastened in the network 18 at the left and right ends of the upper edge 19 of the network.

Figure 2 shows the gate 1 of Figure 1 in its assembled state. For assembly, the two base frame parts 10, 11 are Connection 12, 13 to connect to each other to the floor frame 9. Then the goal posts 2 are each to be inserted with their free ends 4 ahead from below through the bores 16 in the ends 14, 15 of the floor frame 9 until the base plate 7 of the post feet 6 forming a stop is reached. Finally, the receptacles 20, 21 are each to be pushed onto the upper free ends 5 of the posts 2. The upper edge 19 of the goal net 18 forms the crossbar. It can be highlighted, for example, in terms of color, in order to make it more clearly visible as the upper goal boundary than the rest of the goal net 18. The goal 1 can now be used, the base frame 9 lying flat on the playing field, and the posts 2 being essentially perpendicular to the playing field ,

In the front view of FIG. 3, which shows a second exemplary embodiment of a game goal, no goal net is shown for better illustration, but can preferably be provided. The frontal view shows the deflection of the posts 2 from the vertical position in the rest position. The rest position of the goal posts 2 'is shown with dashed lines. The posts 2 'held by the base frame 9 are at rest inclined at an angle φ from the vertical position at rest by correspondingly oblique alignment of the bores 16, in the opposite direction to one another. By bending the posts 2 'inwards, the receptacles 20, 21 can be plugged onto the upper ends 5, so that the posts 2 are then slightly curved and approximately perpendicular. The goal area 22 now has approximately a rectangular area. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3 has a goal crossbar 23 which is designed as a separate component and is formed by a band which is firmly connected at its ends to the plug sleeves 20, 21. Furthermore, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, both the goal posts 2, 2 'and the floor frame 9 have additional bores. the fasteners 24 and 25, which can be pressed into the field surface due to their pointed shape.

FIGS. 4 a) to d) show exemplary embodiments of the connection between the floor frame 9 and the goal posts 2. Figure 4 d) shows an enlarged view again of the connector shown in Figures 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 a) shows an alternative connection variant, namely a screw connection. The post 2 has at its lower end a metallic sleeve in which the flexible rod 3 is received and glued with its lower end 4. The sleeve has an external thread at its lower closed end. To match this, a bore with an internal thread 17 is provided in the base frame part 11, into which the post can be screwed.

Figures 4 b) and c) show further plug connections. In the variant of FIG. B), a simple circular bore 27 is provided in the base frame part 11, into which the lower end 4 of the goal post 2 can be inserted in a form-fitting manner. In contrast to this, the base frame part 11 of FIG. 4c) has a square receiving opening, into which the square-shaped lower end of the post can in turn be inserted in a form-fitting manner. In the variants shown in a) to c), the post base can have no floor fastening means. However, such means could be provided on the side of the free ends 14, 15 of the floor frame 9 facing the playing field.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a partial section of FIG. 2, namely a sectional view of the plug-in sleeve 20, which is inserted over the upper end 5 of the post 2. The sleeve is made of a stable metal and has a continuous bore near its closed end 28. tion 29 on. A thread 30 connected to or belonging to the network 18 is threaded through the bores 29, the sleeve 20 continuously, and is secured on the output side by a knot 31. In this way, the sleeve 20 is firmly connected to the network 18.

Finally, different variants of post feet are shown in FIGS. 6 a) to d). The foot of Figure 6 a) consists of a base plate 7 and a receiving sleeve for receiving a lower free end 4 of a flexible rod 3 to be glued therein. In contrast, in Figure 6b the foot is designed as a tip 32, e.g. to be pressed into a lawn that forms the surface of the field. The foot 6 of FIG. 6c) has an external thread 33 in order to be anchored in the field surface by turning. Finally, the foot 6 of FIG. 6d) is designed as a suction cup 34, and is particularly suitable for fastening the game goal on a hard playing surface, e.g. a hall floor.

Claims

Portable play gate PATENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Transportable game goal (1), consisting of two goal posts (2) and a floor frame (9) with two free ends (14, 15), the goal posts (2) each having one of the two spaced free ends (14, 15) of the floor frame (9) are detachably connected, characterized in that the goal posts (2) are designed to be flexible at least in regions.

2. game goal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom frame (9) keeps the goal posts (2) inclined at rest by an angle from a vertical position away from one another, and a crossbar designed as a rope (19, 23) Bend post (2) from rest position under tension.

3. Gate (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the length of the rope (19,23) corresponds essentially to the distance between the two lower free ends (4) of the posts (2), and the rope (19, 23rd ) is essentially not stretchable.

4. Gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gate (1) has a network (18) which can be connected to the goal posts (2) and the floor frame (9).

5. Goal (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper edge (19) of the goal net (18) forms the crossbar.

6. Gate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goal posts (2) consist entirely of flexible material.

7. gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom frame (9) at its free ends (14, 15) has receptacles (16, 17, 27) into which the posts (2) can be inserted.

8. gate (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that on the goal net (18) at a defined distance from each other two fastening devices (20, 21) are arranged, each for fastening the net (18) on one of the two posts (2) are trained.

9. gate (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fastening devices are designed as sleeves (20) with a closed and an open end, which can be pushed positively over the upper free ends (5) of the posts (2).

10. gate (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the receptacles as through bores (16) in the free ends (14, 15) of the bottom frame (9) are formed, and the goal posts (2) each have a foot (6) serving as a stop (7) at one end.

11. Gate (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the foot (6) is designed as a floor anchoring device (24, 32, 33, 34).

12. Gate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bottom fastening device (25) is arranged on the underside of the bottom frame (9).

13. Gate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom frame (9) is formed in several parts (10, 11).

14. Gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom frame (9) is arcuate.

15. Gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goal net (18) is permanently attached to the floor frame (9).