EP3897884A1

EP3897884A1 - System for use with a moveable sports apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3897884A1
Application number: EP19831873.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthew Page
Original assignee: Mark Harrod Ltd
Current assignee: Mark Harrod Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-23
Publication date: 2021-10-27
Also published as: GB201820948D0; WO2020128536A1; CN113784764A

Abstract

A system (400) configured for use with a moveable sports apparatus is provided. The system (400) comprises a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly comprises an axle (440), and at least one wheel (430) mounted on and rotatable with respect to the axle (440). The system (400) further comprises a shaft (410) substantially perpendicular to the axle (440), wherein the wheel assembly is configured to rotate about the shaft (410). The system (400) also comprises one or more connectors (470) configured to connect the wheel assembly to a moveable sports apparatus.

Description

SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOVEABLE SPORTS APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for use with a moveable sports apparatus such as, for example, a football goal.

BACKGROUND

Sports apparatuses, such as football goals and basketball posts, commonly need to be robust. The apparatus must be capable of withstanding impact regularly without moving from position, and in the case of outdoor apparatus can be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Football goals in particular can have significant weight because of this. A potential consequence of this is that the apparatus can be difficult to move, which is problematic where a space needs to be multi-functional (such as a school sports field) and the sports apparatus is moved regularly. While many sports apparatus such as football goals are marketed as “moveable” or“portable”, these are often unwieldy and difficult to move in practice. Further, there may be risk of injury when moving these goals.

Figures la and lb illustrate a conventional “moveable” football goal. The goal comprises a frame 120, a net 130 and four wheels 110 (only two are pictured). As can be seen in Figure lb, each wheel 1 10 is connected to the frame 120 by a connecting bar 115. The end of the connecting bar 115 is rotatably coupled to the frame 120 with a bolt 1 16, such that the connecting bar 1 15 is rotatable about the bolt 116. A stopper 117 prevents rotation of the connecting bar 1 15 past the“raised position” (as in Figure la), to ensure that the apparatus 100 remains raised up on the wheel 1 10. To move the sports apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 must be raised from the ground and the wheel 110 rotated into place. This often requires multiple people, and a significant amount of physical effort. There is also a risk of injury associated with this action - one of the users may drop the goal, or even receive an injury caused by impact with the rotating wheel or trapped skin in the rotation mechanism. Even once the wheels 1 10 are in place, manoeuvring the goal can be difficult. Football goals are large and cumbersome, often sized around 24 foot (7.5 metres) long and 8 foot (2.4 metres) high and deep. As such, steering football goals across a pitch and potentially through relatively narrow gaps can be awkward.

A solution to at least the above mentioned problems is desirable.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system configured for use with a moveable sports apparatus. The system comprises a wheel assembly, which comprises an axle and at least one wheel mounted on and rotatable with respect to the axle. The system further comprises a shaft substantially perpendicular to the axle, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to rotate about the shaft. One or more connectors may be configured to connect the wheel assembly to a moveable sports apparatus.

The at least one wheel being rotatable about the axle in combination with the wheel assembly rotating about the shaft ensures the sports apparatus can be more easily manoeuvred than a conventional apparatus - the sports apparatus can be moved in any direction and steered more easily.

The wheel assembly may be configured to be integrated into the moveable sports apparatus.

The system may further comprise a support frame. The support frame may be coupled to the axle. The support frame may be rotatably coupled to the shaft so as to permit the wheel assembly to rotate about the shaft. This frame may be configured to support the wheel, and enable the wheel to be coupled to the shaft

The support frame may be coupled to the axle on each side of the wheel. The support frame may optionally comprise a strut or arm, or a plurality of arms with a bridge therebetween for coupling to the axle. The bridge may be configured to be rotatably coupled to the shaft. Each arm may be coupled to the axle by receiving the axle end into an aperture in the arm. The support frame may be rotatably coupled to the shaft with a bearing. Optionally, the bearing may be a pressed bearing. Alternatively, the support frame may be rotatably coupled to the shaft with a bolt, which may be fastened sufficiently tightly to prevent significant vertical motion of the frame relative to the bolt, but sufficiently loose that the frame can rotate with respect to the bolt.

The wheel assembly may be configured to be translated in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. Optionally or preferably, the wheel assembly may be configured to translate substantially perpendicularly to the connectors. Advantageously, this translation allows the wheel assembly be lowered to raise the sports apparatus, so that the wheels are the main or only point of contact with the ground. This reduces the surface area in contact with the ground, reducing friction acting on the sports apparatus and so making the act of moving the apparatus easier.

The system may further comprise one or more engaging elements configured to engage with a separate engagement mechanism. Movement of the engaging elements relative to the engagement mechanism may provide said translation.

The shaft may be or comprise a toothed bar, or rack, and/or be configured to engage with a complementary configured engagement mechanism.

The system may further comprise a substantially circular gear, or pinion; and a bar coupled perpendicularly to the pinion. The bar may be coupled to the pinion such that rotation of the bar around its longitudinal axis rotates the pinion.

The bar may further comprise a handle for rotation, or may be configured to receive a handle attachment. For example, the bar may have a shaped cross-section to fit inside a corresponding aperture of an associated handle. Alternatively, the bar may be sufficiently sized and shaped (e g. with a rounded end) that it can be turned by hand without the need of an additional handle.

The rack and pinion may be engaged such that rotation of the bar raises and lowers the rack, and the rack may be configured to raise and lower the at least one wheel when the bar is rotated. This allows for the apparatus to be raised onto the wheel(s) with only a small amount of physical effort, and the gradual raising and lowering reduces the likelihood of any injury being caused by the action.

The rack and pinion assembly may be enclosed by a housing. The bar may protrude from the housing for access by a user. This provides further safety, as the user is then shielded from any moving parts where trapping could occur.

The assembly may further comprise a height locking mechanism. Advantageously, this prevents the goal sinking after it has been raised to sit on the wheels. The height locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the shaft rising when engaged. The height locking mechanism may comprise a ratchet wedge and a ratchet release handle configured to release the ratchet wedge when actuated.

As an alternative or in addition to the engagement means arrangement, the shaft may be or comprise a piston located in a piston cylinder, the piston being operable to cause the translation of the wheel assembly.

The system may further comprise a lever coupled to the top of the piston cylinder, wherein operation of the lever causes the wheel assembly to translate. The lever may have a cam-shaped end, configured to engage the piston when the lever is raised. This arrangement ensures minimal physical exertion is required to raise the apparatus onto the wheels, in contrast to the conventional apparatus as described previously.

The one or more connectors may be configured to attach to, on or in the frame of an existing apparatus and may be or comprise one or more mounting bars. Advantageously, the mounting bars may be configured to simply slot into the frame of an existing apparatus, which allows the wheel assembly to be easily integrated without requiring any significant modification of an existing apparatus. Alternatively, the mounting bars may be configured to be secured to the exterior of the frame. For example, the mounting bars may comprise a hole to receive a screw, or a brace to clip onto the frame.

In use, the axle may be substantially parallel to the ground, with the shaft substantially perpendicular to the ground. The at least one wheel may comprise one, two, three, four or more wheels. An advantage of providing multiple separate wheels rather than a single wheel is that the sticking or jamming of one wheel does not prevent the apparatus being movable as each wheel can rotate independently. On a sports pitch, the terrain can often include clumps of mud and grass, which can prevent rotation of a single wheel. Multiple wheels reduce the likelihood of the apparatus being immovable.

The system may further comprise an enclosure, configured to support the wheel assembly and be connectable to the one or more connectors.

The enclosure may comprise a top member comprising an aperture to receive the shaft. The enclosure may further comprise connecting arches and a base ring, wherein the connecting arches join the top member and base ring together. The intermediate enclosure may surround the support frame. The top member and base ring may be configured to connect to the one or more connectors.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moveable sports apparatus, comprising: a frame; and one or more systems comprising one or more wheel assemblies, according to any embodiment of the first aspect. The one or more wheel assemblies are connectable to the frame with the one or more connectors.

The moveable sports apparatus may be a football goal.

The moveable sports apparatus may have at least two systems comprising at least connected to the frame. In the case of the football goal, the wheel assemblies may be positioned opposite each other, on each side of the goal frame. In some embodiments, the moveable sports apparatus may have four wheel assemblies connected to the frame. In this case, they may be positioned such that there are two wheel assemblies on each side.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts suitable for assembling the wheel assembly of any embodiment of the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure la is an example prior art sports apparatus;

Figure lb is an example prior art wheel assembly, used in the sports apparatus of Figure la;

Figure 2a is a schematic view of an embodiment showing a perspective view of the wheel assembly;

Figure 2b is a schematic view of the same embodiment showing a top-down view of the wheel assembly;

Figure 2c is a schematic view of the same embodiment showing a side view of the wheel assembly;

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the same embodiment;

Figure 4a is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment showing a perspective view of the wheel assembly;

Figure 4b is a schematic view of the same embodiment as Figure 4a showing a top- down view of the wheel assembly;

Figure 4c is a schematic view of the same embodiment as Figures 4a and 4b showing a side view of the wheel assembly;

Figure 5 is a schematic exploded view of the same embodiment as Figures 4a-c;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment, shown as integrated into a sports apparatus; and

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a moveable sports apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 2a-c and 3 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention (perspective view, top-down view and side view respectively). The wheel system 200 comprises three wheels and an axle 240 passing through the centre of the wheels 230. This allows the wheels 230 to rotate freely with the axle 240 as the rotation axis. The wheels 230 are supported by a support frame 250. The support frame 250 is coupled to each end of the axle 240. The support frame 250 is also rotatably coupled to a shaft 210, with a pressed bearing 255 (Fig. 2c), such that the frame 250 (and, by extension, the wheel 230) is rotatable with respect to the shaft 210 about the axis of the shaft 210. The shaft 210 is substantially perpendicular to the axle 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 210 comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly. The pinion gear 213 is coupled to a bar 215, such that rotation of the bar 215 about its longitudinal axis rotates the pinion gear 213, and raises and lowers a rack 212. This in turn raises and lowers the wheels 230. The rack 212 and pinion assembly 213 are enclosed by a casing 211, leaving the bar 215 protruding for access by a user. The casing comprises a series of plates 211a, 211b which each comprise a series of apertures for receiving attachment means 211c. Plate 21 1a is otherwise a solid, single backing plate. In contrast, plate 21 1b comprises a recess for the pinion gear 213 such that the gear 213 can be rotated, and may comprise a plurality of smaller plate components. In the illustrated example, the attachment means 211c comprises a plurality of bolts and associated nuts. The modular construction of the casing 21 1 allows the user to replace any defective/worn parts easily, but the casing could also comprise a single component (i.e. with the rack and pinion assembly not accessible by the end user at any point, and with the plates permanently attached or forming one larger component). A ratchet wedge 214 holds the shaft 210 at the desired height (i.e. to prevent the goal sinking when resting on the wheels 230) by engaging with the pinion gear 213 and preventing reverse rotation. The wedge 214 can be released with a release handle 216. Pulling the release handle 216 releases the wedge 214 (i.e. the default position of the wedge 214 is locked). In the illustrated embodiment, the perpendicular bar has a hexagonal cross-section. The shaped cross section allows the user to attach a separate handle in order to rotate. In an alternative example, the bar may have a shaped end for gripping by the user by hand. The shaft 210 is received by an aperture in an enclosure 260, such that the shaft 210 is coupled to the support frame 250 after passing through the enclosure 260. The enclosure 260 surrounds the support frame 250, and couples to two mounting bars 270, which are configured to connect the system 200 to a sports apparatus.

The enclosure 260 comprises a top member 261, two arcuate connecting arches 263, two plates 264, and a base ring 262. The top member 261 is configured to receive the shaft 210 through a central aperture 261a. The top member 261 is coupled to the mounting bars 270, and connected to the base ring 262 by the connecting arches 263 and plates 264. The top member 261 may comprise separate‘forks’ 261b, 261c which sit either side of the top of the mounting bars 270, improving the stability of the connection between the components. The connecting arches 263 and plates 264 comprise protrusions P configured to enter slots S in the top member 461 and base ring 262 such that the parts interlock. The base ring 262 is substantially circular, with two substantially rectangular discontinuities protruding on opposite sides of the ring, to contact the mounting bars 270. The arcuate connecting arches 263 may differ, such that a first arch 263a comprises an extension at the top end to support the shaft 210, and a second arch 263b comprised a rounded end for ease of removal of a front plate 211 d of the shaft casing 211.

In this embodiment, the mounting bars 270 are hollow cuboids, or box sections, but could conceivably be cylindrical. Indeed, any shape would be possible provided the bars fit inside a frame 610 (figure 7) of the sports apparatus 700 (figure 7), with which the system 200 is configured for use.

Figures 4a-c and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention (perspective view, top-down view, side view and exploded view respectively). The wheel system 400 comprises a wheel and an axle 440 passing through the centre of the wheel 430. This allows the wheel 430 to rotate freely with the axle as the rotation axis. The wheel 430 is supported by a support frame 450. The support frame is coupled to each end of the axle 440. The support frame 450 comprises two arms 45 1, which are configured to couple to the axle 440 either side of the wheel 430 by receiving the end of the axle 440 into an aperture, and a bar 452 substantially perpendicular to the arms 451. It is this bar 452 that is rotatably coupled to the shaft 410 with the pressed bearing 455. In this embodiment, the bar and arms are separate components which interlock. The support frame could alternatively be one integral component.

The support frame 450 is also rotatably coupled to a cylindrical shaft 410, with a pressed bearing 455 (Fig. 2c), such that the frame 450 (and, by extension, the wheel 430) is rotatable with respect to the shaft 410 about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 410. The shaft 410 is substantially perpendicular to the axle 440. A lever 420 is connected to the top end of the shaft 410. The shaft 410 comprises a piston cylinder 411 and a piston 415 inside the piston cylinder 41 1. The lever 420 is connected to the shaft 410 by receiving a pin through an aperture 421, allowing the lever 420 to pivot to be raised and lowered. The lever has a cam-shaped end, and the aperture 421 is positioned such that raising the lever 420 increases the length within the piston cylinder 411. This extra length causes the lever 420 to engage with the piston 215, which applies a downwards vertical force to the support frame 450. This lowers the support frame 450 (and, by extension, the wheel 430) which causes the sports apparatus 700 (fig. 7) to be raised such that the wheels 430 are the only points of contact with the ground, enabling the apparatus to be moved.

The shaft 410 is received by an aperture 461a in an enclosure 460, such that the shaft 410 is coupled to the support frame 450 after passing through the enclosure 460. The enclosure 460 surrounds the support frame 450, and couples to two mounting bars 470, which are configured to connect the system 400 to a sports apparatus. The enclosure 460 comprises a top member 461, two arcuate connecting arches 463, two plates 464, and a base ring 462. The top member 461 receives the shaft 410 through a central aperture 461a. The top member 461 is coupled to the mounting bars 470, and connected to the base ring 462 by the connecting arches 463 and plates 464. The connecting arches 463 and plates 464 comprise protrusions P configured to enter slots S in the top member 461 and base ring 462 such that the parts interlock. The base ring 462 is substantially circular, with two substantially rectangular discontinuities protruding on opposite sides of the ring, to contact the mounting bars 470.

In this embodiment, the mounting bars are hollow cuboids, but could conceivably be cylindrical. Indeed, any shape would be possible provided the bars fit inside a frame 610 (figure 6) of the sports apparatus 700 (figure 7) the system 400 is configured for use with. Figure 6 illustrates the same embodiment as Figures 4a-c and 5, integrated into a sports apparatus frame 610. The system 400 (with exception of the lever 420) is enclosed by a housing 480. While the system 400 will function the same without the housing 480, the housing 480 provides protection to the system 400 from external conditions. The housing 480 may be separable from the system 400, to allow the user to inspect and/or maintain the system 400 should any issues occur. For example, the housing 480 may sit on the shaft 410, and clip onto the bottom of the base ring 462, being held in place due to the tensile force placed upon it. Alternatively, the housing 480 may be an integrated part of the wheel assembly 400. This may increase the sturdiness of the assembly 400, which in turn may increase the expected lifespan of the wheel assembly 400. The housing 480 can be made from any suitable material, such as a metal (e.g. aluminium or steel) or a sufficiently strong, tough plastic such as polypropylene or PYC.

Figure 7 illustrates an example moveable sports apparatus 700, comprising a frame 610 and four wheel assemblies 400 integrated into the frame 610. The frame can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal (e.g. aluminium or steel) or a sufficiently strong, tough plastic such as polypropylene or PVC.

Although specific embodiments have been described, these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be determined with reference to the accompanying claims. A number of modifications and variations are possible, which are intentionally within the scope of the claims.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system configured for use with a moveable sports apparatus, the system comprising:

a wheel assembly comprising:

an axle; and

at least one wheel mounted on and rotatable with respect to the axle; a shaft substantially perpendicular to the axle, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to rotate about the shaft; and

one or more connectors configured to connect the wheel assembly to a moveable sports apparatus.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a support frame coupled to the axle, and rotatably coupled to the shaft so as to permit the wheel assembly to rotate around the shaft.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the support frame is coupled to the axle on each side of the at least one wheel and, optionally or preferably, wherein the support frame comprises two arms for coupling to the axle and a bridge therebetween.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the support frame is rotatably coupled to the shaft with a bearing and, optionally or preferably, wherein the bearing is a pressed bearing

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to be translated in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and, optionally or preferably, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to translate substantially perpendicularly to the connectors.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

one or more engaging elements configured to engage with a separate engagement mechanism, wherein movement of the engaging elements relative to the engagement mechanism provide said translation.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the shaft is or comprises a toothed bar, or rack, and is configured to engage with a complementary configured engagement mechanism.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the system further comprises a toothed gear, or pinion configured to engage with the toothed bar or rack.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a bar coupled perpendicularly to the pinion, such that rotation of the bar around its longitudinal axis rotates the pinion.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the rack and pinion are engaged such that rotation of the bar raises and lowers the rack; and

wherein the rack is configured to raise and lower the wheel assembly when the bar is rotated.

11. The system of any of claims 5 to 10, further comprising a height locking mechanism and, optionally or preferably, wherein the height locking mechanism comprises:

a ratchet wedge, configured to prevent the shaft rising when engaged; and a ratchet release handle configured to release the ratchet wedge when actuated.

12. The system of any of claims 5 to 11, wherein the shaft is or comprises a piston located in a piston cylinder, the piston being operable to cause the translation of the wheel assembly.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising:

a lever coupled to the top of the piston cylinder, wherein operation of the lever causes the wheel assembly to translate.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the lever has a cam shaped end configured to engage the piston when raised.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connectors are or comprise one or more mounting bars.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the axle is substantially parallel to the ground, and the shaft is substantially perpendicular to the ground.

17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one wheel comprises one, two, three, four or more wheels.

18. A moveable sports apparatus, comprising:

a frame; and

one or more systems, comprising one or more wheel assemblies, according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more wheel assemblies are releasably connectable to the frame with the one or more connectors.

19. The moveable sports apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sports apparatus is a football goal.

20. The moveable sports apparatus of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein at least two wheel assemblies are connected to the frame.

21. A kit of parts suitable for assembling the system of any of claims 1 to 17.